What does tomcat mean?
Tomcat ordinarily denotes a male domestic cat. Unlike the general word cat, it identifies the animal by sex and often conveys the additional impression of an adult, sexually active male. In dated informal English, especially in British usage, the word can also refer to a man who aggressively or promiscuously pursues sexual partners, and the verb to tomcat describes that behavior. These figurative senses are generally more relevant to older literature and speech than to contemporary neutral description. The word has a transparent English structure: it combines tom, an older term for a male cat, with cat. Although tomcat can be used broadly for any male feline, it is most familiar when describing a roaming or tomcat-type domestic cat rather than a pedigree kept indoors. In wildlife contexts, a stray or feral tomcat may be an unneutered male involved in territorial disputes and mating activity.
A male domestic cat, especially an adult male; in dated informal use, a man who aggressively or promiscuously pursues sexual partners.
"A ginger tomcat prowled the garden, scattering the birds before settling on the garden wall."
The animal sense is neutral. The figurative sense is informal, often dated, and may be judgmental or offensive.
To behave as a sexually aggressive or promiscuous man, pursuing sexual partners without commitment.
"He was notorious for tomcatting around town."
Chiefly British, informal, and often dated; potentially judgmental or offensive.
The regular plural takes -s and is used when referring to multiple male cats.
"Two tomcats appeared at the bird feeder at dusk."
A tomcat carries its name in plain sight: it joins tom, an old word for a male cat, to cat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tomcat come from?
Tomcat is an English compound formed from tom and cat. Tom was already used for a male cat, and the compound is attested from the 18th century. The earlier element tom also survives as a concise synonym for a male cat.
Related word forms
How tomcat is actually used
As a zoological term, tomcat is neutral, although it often suggests a sexually mature male. The figurative noun and verb senses are informal, frequently dated, and judgmental or potentially offensive; they are especially associated with British English.
Easily confused with tomcat
Tomcat is the standard full word for a male cat, whereas tom is a shorter or chiefly British synonym.