English · Common Verbs
catching
/ˈkætʃɪŋ/
[/ˈkætʃɪŋ/]
present participle of catch
Beginnerverb
Definition
Present participle of 'catch': grabbing or stopping something, happening now.
Example
The children are catching butterflies in the meadow while the adults relax under the trees.
The children are catching butterflies in the meadow while the adults relax under the trees.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman 'cachier' (to catch) plus the '-ing' ending.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in continuous tenses; can also describe an illness that spreads easily.