Meaning & use
pussycat
Last updated
A cat, especially referred to affectionately or by children; also, informally, a person who is gentler or more mild-mannered than expected.
See it in a sentence
The kitten curled up on the pillow like a sleepy little pussycat.
Despite his tough reputation, he's really a pussycat once you get to know him.
A note on using this word
The figurative sense, describing a person who seems harmless or gentle despite appearances, is common in everyday English.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. noun
A person who is much gentler or more approachable than their reputation or appearance suggests.
The strict-looking coach turned out to be a total pussycat.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pussycat”, then compare your use with the examples above.