wildcat

Everyday

1. A wildcat is a wild cat that looks like a big tabby, living in Europe, Africa and Asia; the Scottish wildcat is very rare. tree →
2. In America, wildcat can mean any wild member of the cat family, like a bobcat. tree →
3. A wildcat strike is a sudden strike by workers without the union's official approval. tree →
4. (informal) A wildcat is a fierce, wild person. tree →

In the lessons

In nature studies it is a rare, protected British animal. In news, a "wildcat strike" is a sudden, unofficial strike. Phrases: Scottish wildcat, wildcat strike.

Examples

• The Scottish wildcat is one of Britain's rarest animals. tree →
• A wildcat looks like a tabby cat with a thick, ringed tail. tree →
• Workers walked out in a wildcat strike. tree →
• Wildcats hide in forests and hunt at night. tree →
• She fought like a wildcat. tree →
• Wildcats should not be kept as pets. tree →
• It might have been a wildcat prowling low on soft, stealthy feet. tree →

Note

Countable; one word (wildcat), though "wild cat" in two words is fine for any wild cat. Trap: a feral cat is a pet cat gone wild, not a true wildcat.