1
: a strong-scented perennial mint (Nepeta cataria) that has whorls of small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats
2
: something very attractive
Examples of catnip in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kaspersky warns that cybercriminals exploit the need for immediacy, crafting a sense of urgency that’s catnip for this powerful generation of shoppers in particular, and leaves them at risk.
—
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
The adorable pickle toy is stuffed with catnip and has multiple textures that remove plaque and help with your cat’s dental health.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
The 2017 tax bill was a significant reform, and Republicans should avoid, to the extent possible, vitiating it with political catnip like no taxes on tips and other random Trump inspirations.
—The Editors, National Review, 12 May 2025
Supplements that contain passionflower and magnesium like Hilma Sleep Support are considered catnip for the brain at nighttime to promote restful, undisrupted sleep.
—Tanya Akim, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catnip
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
The adorable pickle toy is stuffed with catnip and has multiple textures that remove plaque and help with your cat’s dental health.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
The 2017 tax bill was a significant reform, and Republicans should avoid, to the extent possible, vitiating it with political catnip like no taxes on tips and other random Trump inspirations.
—The Editors, National Review, 12 May 2025
Supplements that contain passionflower and magnesium like Hilma Sleep Support are considered catnip for the brain at nighttime to promote restful, undisrupted sleep.
—Tanya Akim, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catnip
Cite this Entry
“Catnip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catnip. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
catnip
noun
cat·nip
-ˌnip 
: a strong-scented herb of the mint family that is especially attractive to cats
Medical Definition
catnip
noun
cat·nip
-ˌnip
variants
also catnep
1
: a strong-scented mint (Nepeta cataria) that has small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats
called also cataria, catmint
2
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share