kitten

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "kitten" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a young cat. For example: "I saw a cute little kitten when I was out walking today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were mint-green pumps, polka-dot kitten heels with ankle straps, pointy-toed brown Dries Van Noten rip-offs and, my favourite, a red and white candy-striped pair with a buckle.

The Guardian - Travel

The worst are the ones that have just been cobbled together and don't even make any sense (they're usually above a soft-focused picture of a love-heart or a kitten).

The Guardian

Other Banksy works spotted in Gaza after the mystery visit were a mural of a playful kitten and another of children swinging from a military watchtower.

The Guardian

I remember, for example, being encouraged (ie conned) by my grandson into downloading a "free" app featuring a charming kitten, only to discover that if one wanted to clothe this animal in some daft costume or other then one had to shell out a tidy sum for each costume.

The Guardian - Tech

But Demirtas responded to those barbs with trademark serenity, challenging Erdogan by saying: "We, as the HDP, will transform the lion in your heart to a kitten".

The Guardian

Another features a kitten sprayed on the remains of a wall, posed playing with a coiled ball of rusted metal as if it were wool.

The Guardian - Arts

Carlyle's genius is that he is not only totally convincing when he does this (even though his character had previously exuded all the violent tendencies of a sleepy birthday kitten), but also that, after the scene has finished, he does not do the obvious thing and continue tiresomely exuding 'quiet menace' for the rest of the movie.

The Guardian - Film

Numerous attendees tweeted their disapproval during the awards: Katy Perry tweeted "F*** Kanye, it's like you stepped on a kitten" while Pink wrote "Kanye West is the biggest piece of shit on earth.

The Guardian - Music

One local is recorded saying of the kitten painting: "This cat tells the whole world that she is missing joy in her life.

The Guardian - Arts

At other times the kitten lies in wait on the vast savannah that is our garden, before spotting her mother and flying at her as if she was a wounded gnu.

The Guardian

Slinky jogging bottoms might be in, but Wintour sticks to floral dresses and kitten heels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "kitten", use specific adjectives to convey its unique characteristics, such as 'fluffy', 'mischievous', or 'sleepy'.

Common error

While "kitten" is perfectly acceptable in general writing, avoid using it excessively in formal or technical documents. Opt for 'young cat' or more descriptive terms when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "kitten" primarily functions as a noun, designating a young cat. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, as seen in Ludwig's examples: 'Other Banksy works spotted in Gaza after the mystery visit were a mural of a playful "kitten"' or 'I remember, for example, being encouraged (ie conned) by my grandson into downloading a "free" app featuring a charming "kitten"'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "kitten" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to refer to a young cat. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The Guardian and The Economist. Its primary function is to identify and describe a young feline, and it is generally used in neutral to informal contexts. While perfectly acceptable in most writing, more formal alternatives like "young cat" might be preferable in highly technical or academic settings. Related terms include "kitty" and "feline baby", each carrying slightly different connotations. "Kitten" appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

young cat

A straightforward synonym, focusing on the age of the feline.

kitty

A more informal and affectionate term for a "kitten".

feline baby

Emphasizes the youth and species of the animal.

small cat

Highlights the size of the "kitten".

domestic shorthair kitten

More specific breed information is added.

persian kitten

Indicates a specific breed of "kitten".

newborn kitten

Focuses on the kitten's very recent birth.

playful kitten

Emphasizes the "kitten's" energetic behavior.

tiny feline

Highlights the small size and species.

ginger kitten

Highlights color of the cat.

FAQs

How to use "kitten" in a sentence?

You can use "kitten" to refer to a young cat in various contexts. For example, "The children were playing with a fluffy "kitten" in the garden."

What can I say instead of "kitten"?

You can use alternatives like "young cat", "kitty", or "feline baby" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "kitten" or "kitty"?

"Kitten" and "kitty" are both correct, but "kitten" is more formal, while "kitty" is more informal and affectionate.

What's the difference between "kitten" and "cat"?

"Kitten" refers to a young cat, while "cat" is a general term for felines of any age. A "kitten" will eventually grow into a "cat".