catching

1 of 2

adjective

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

catching

2 of 2

present participle of catch entry 1

Synonyms of catching

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Adjective

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Examples of catching in a Sentence

Adjective “I have a cold.” “Is it catching?” a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The Sox need starting pitching and bullpen help, more contact hitters, a stronger bench and yes, more catching, as Teel and Edgar Quero both regressed. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 Instead, the Giants are making an even more shocking decision to ship Bailey, who will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, to the Guardians, who have their own crowded catching room between Bo Naylor and Austin Hedges. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2026 Christian Vázquez, who replaced Diaz in the lineup Monday, figures to take on primary catching duties while Diaz is out. — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026 The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catching was in 1594

Phrases Containing catching

Rhymes for catching

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Browse Nearby Words

catch hell
catching
catching bargain
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Cite this Entry

“Catching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catching. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

catching

adjective
: infectious
the flu is catching
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