Catching

/ˈkætʃɪŋ/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To capture or seize something in motion.

/ˈkætʃɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To successfully seize or trap something.

The dog was catching the ball.

💡 Simply: To grab something that's moving.

👶 For kids: To grab something that's flying or running!

More Examples

2

She's catching up on her work.

How It's Used

Sports

"The goalkeeper was catching every ball."

Everyday Life

"I'm catching a cold."

2

Attractive; interesting; memorable.

/ˈkætʃɪŋ/

adjectivepositiveIntermediate
General

Attractive or captivating.

That's a catching tune.

💡 Simply: Something that grabs your attention and is hard to forget.

👶 For kids: Something that's super cool and makes you want to look!

More Examples

2

His presentation was quite catching.

How It's Used

Marketing

"The advertisement was catching, drawing many viewers."

Tip:Think of a song that is 'catching' – you can't get it out of your head!

Idioms & expressions

catch someone's eye

To attract someone's attention.

"Her bright dress caught his eye."

From the present participle of the verb "catch", ultimately from Old English *caccian.

The word "catching" has been used in a similar way for centuries, referring both to physical actions and metaphorical ones.

Memory tip

Imagine a baseball player catching a fastball.

Base: catch
catchincating

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written