tabby
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tabby, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A cat with a striped or mottled coat pattern.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tabby
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French tabis, ultimately from Arabic al-attabiyya, a district of Baghdad known for producing a type of striped watered silk; the pattern name later transferred to cats with similar markings.
Full origin of tabby →Frequently asked questions
What does “tabby” mean?
The word “tabby” means a cat with a striped or mottled coat pattern. In plain terms, refers to the common striped or blotched pattern seen in many domestic cats.
How do you pronounce “tabby”?
“Tabby” is pronounced TAB-ee (/ˈtæb.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “tabby” in a sentence?
Here is “tabby” used in a sentence: “The tabby curled up on the windowsill in the sun.”
What part of speech is “tabby”?
Depending on how it is used, “tabby” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “tabby” come from?
The word “tabby” comes from French. From French tabis, ultimately from Arabic al-attabiyya, a district of Baghdad known for producing a type of striped watered silk; the pattern name later transferred to cats with similar markings.
How many meanings does “tabby” have?
“Tabby” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cat with a striped or mottled coat pattern.