catnapper

noun

cat·​nap·​per ˈkat-ˌna-pər How to pronounce catnapper (audio)
variants or less commonly catnaper
: one who steals cats usually to sell them for research

Word History

Etymology

cat entry 1 + -napper (as in kidnapper)

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catnapper was in 1942

Rhymes for catnapper

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Browse Nearby Words

catnap
catnapper
catnip
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Cite this Entry

“Catnapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catnapper. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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