Definitions for catching

• Definition
• Anagrams (195)

catching catch·ing

Spelling: [kach-ing]

IPA: /ˈkætʃ ɪŋ/

Catching is a 8 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 16 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 19 points.

You can make 195 anagrams from letters in catching (accghint).

Definitions for catching

noun

1. the act of catching.
2. anything that catches, especially a device for checking motion, as a latch on a door.
3. any tricky or concealed drawback:
4. a slight, momentary break or crack in the voice.
5. that which is caught, as a quantity of fish:
6. a person or thing worth getting, especially a person regarded as a desirable matrimonial prospect:
7. a game in which a ball is thrown from one person to another:
8. a fragment:
9. Music. a round, especially one in which the words are so arranged as to produce ludicrous effects.
10. Sports. the catching and holding of a batted or thrown ball before it touches the ground.
11. Rowing. the first part of the stroke, consisting of the placing of the oar into the water.
12. Agriculture. the establishment of a crop from seed:

Idioms

1. catch a crab, (in rowing) to bungle a stroke by failing to get the oar into the water at the beginning or by failing to withdraw it properly at the end.
2. catch a turn, Nautical. to wind a rope around a bitt, capstan, etc., for one full turn.
3. catch it, Informal. to receive a reprimand or punishment:

adjective

1. tending to be transmitted from one person to another; contagious or infectious:
2. attractive; fascinating; captivating; alluring:
3. catchy (def 3).

Verb phrases

1. catch at, to grasp at eagerly; accept readily:
2. catch on, to become popular: to grasp mentally; understand: New England. (in cooking) to scorch or burn slightly; sear:
3. catch out, Chiefly British. to catch or discover (a person) in deceit or an error.
4. catch up, to lift or snatch suddenly: to bring or get up to date (often followed by on or with): to come up to or overtake (something or someone) (usually followed by with): to become involved or entangled with: to point out to (a person) minor errors, untruths, etc. (usually followed by on): Falconry. to capture for further training (a hawk that has been flown at hack). South Midland and Southern U.S. to harness (a horse or mule).

verb (used with object)

1. to seize or capture, especially after pursuit:
2. to trap or ensnare:
3. to intercept and seize; take and hold (something thrown, falling, etc.):
4. to come upon suddenly; surprise or detect, as in some action:
5. to receive, incur, or contract:
6. to be in time to get aboard (a train, boat, etc.).
7. to lay hold of; grasp; clasp:
8. to grip, hook, or entangle:
9. to allow (something) to become gripped, hooked, snagged, or entangled:
10. to attract or arrest:
11. to check or restrain suddenly (often used reflexively):
12. to see or attend:
13. to strike; hit:
14. to become inspired by or aware of:
15. to fasten with or as if with a catch:
16. to deceive:
17. to attract the attention of; captivate; charm:
18. to grasp with the intellect; comprehend:
19. to hear clearly:
20. to apprehend and record; capture:
21. South Midland and Southern U.S. to assist at the birth of:

verb (used without object)

1. to become gripped, hooked, or entangled:
2. to overtake someone or something moving (usually followed by up, up with, or up to).
3. to take hold:
4. Baseball. to play the position of catcher,
5. to become lighted; take fire; ignite:
6. to become established, as a crop or plant, after germination and sprouting.

Origin of catching

late Middle English word dating back to 1375-1425; See origin at catch, -ing²

Examples for catching

"I know not about that," said John, kicking his helmet up into the air and catching it in his hand.

The movie, directed by Francis Lawrence, opens after the events of catching Fire.

It could also be true that she really was an insufferable lunatic afraid of catching Ebola from the plebeians.

Wit, lad, is a catching thing, like the itch or the sweating sickness.

At last he was sure of catching Mary Turner herself in his toils.

It was early last week, the weather was catching up with the season.

This tassel is for catching the blood and preventing it from greasing the handle.

He bent forward quickly and, catching her hand, held it against his lips.

The Common Core education standards are catching on with parents and teachers.

Caen was pitching and I was crouched behind the dish, catching.