noun

catkin

KAT-kin

Quiz me More like this

Catkin (noun) means a dangling, spike-shaped cluster of small flowers without petals, found on trees such as willow and poplar. Example: “The willow was hung with soft grey catkins in early spring.”

noun

technical A dangling, spike-shaped cluster of small flowers without petals, found on trees such as willow and poplar.

"The willow was hung with soft grey catkins in early spring."

"Hazel catkins release fine pollen when the branch is shaken."

"Children collected fallen catkins from under the poplar tree."

How to use catkin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is the dangly, fuzzy flower spike you see hanging from certain trees in spring.

When to use it

It is a straightforward botanical term, understood well beyond specialist writing.

Memory tip

Think of the furry tail shape to remember why catkins got their cat-themed name.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

willow catkins hazel catkins fluffy catkins catkins in spring

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like catkin.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “catkin” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The willow was hung with soft grey _____ in early spring.

Etymology

Catkin comes from Middle Dutch katteken, literally meaning little cat, a name given because the longer catkins were thought to look like a kitten's tail, or because of the soft fur on some of them. It is related to German Kätzchen and Dutch katje, and is built from cat plus the diminutive ending -kin.

Origin: Middle Dutch

Synonyms

View more →

ament

Frequently asked questions

What is a catkin?

It is a hanging, spike-like flower cluster with no petals, seen on trees such as willow, hazel and poplar.

Why is it called a catkin?

The name comes from a Middle Dutch word meaning little cat, because the flower spikes were thought to resemble a kitten's tail.

Which trees produce catkins?

Willow and poplar are classic examples, and catkins also appear on trees such as hazel and birch.

What is the meaning of catkin?

"catkin" (noun) means a dangling, spike-shaped cluster of small flowers without petals, found on trees such as willow and poplar.