catching

adjective

catch·​ing ˈka-chiŋ How to pronounce catching (audio)
ˈke-
1
: infectious, contagious
the flu is catching
his spirit is catching
2

Examples of catching in a Sentence

“I have a cold.” “Is it catching?” a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin
Recent Examples on the Web For those planning to travel or attend gatherings for the holiday, health officials urge the standard precautions to prevent spreading or catching viruses, including being up to date on seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 21 Nov. 2023 Hill said he’s been going back to his roots, such as catching passes (from the Jugs machine) every day after practice. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024 The key here is to keep this brief while still giving out the most catching information about you so that the person reading it doesn’t lose interest. Kice Akkawi, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2023 From the archives: Drake London Former Moorpark and USC standout receiver Drake London continues to make his presence felt catching passes for the Atlanta Falcons. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2023 My brother Robert and I would go outside and play these catching games. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Oct. 2023 The kids like to be out in the woods and climbing trees and catching frogs. Anneke Knot, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023 Washington State commit is terrific catching passes. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2023 Or maybe the Rangers just needed some catching depth and Hedges, a plus-defender with nine years of MLB experience, was the best available fit to be gotten from the selling Pirates. Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 5 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catching was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near catching

Cite this Entry

“Catching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catching. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

catching

adjective
: infectious
the flu is catching

More from Merriam-Webster on catching

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