The English language is filled with words that can serve multiple parts of speech depending on context, and catwalk is one such word that invites curiosity. Many wonder if catwalk can be used as a verb or if it is strictly a noun. Typically known as a noun describing a narrow, elevated platform used in fashion shows, catwalk has also made its way into verbal usage in everyday speech and writing. Understanding whether catwalk is a verb involves exploring its definitions, grammatical use, examples, and how common or accepted this verb form is in modern English.
Definition and Common Usage of Catwalk
Catwalk as a Noun
Most commonly, catwalk is a noun referring to a narrow platform or runway on which models walk during fashion shows to display clothing and accessories. This structure is typically raised above the ground, allowing the audience a clear view of the outfits.
- The model gracefully walked down the catwalk in the latest designer dress.
- The fashion show featured a long catwalk that extended into the audience.
- The catwalk is an essential part of showcasing new fashion trends.
This noun usage is well-established and widely recognized in both British and American English.
Catwalk as a Verb: Is It Valid?
While catwalk is primarily a noun, it can also function as a verb, especially in informal or creative contexts. Using catwalk as a verb generally means to walk in a manner similar to how a fashion model would walk on a catwalk confidently, stylishly, and with flair.
- She catwalked across the room, drawing everyone’s attention.
- The young actor catwalked onto the stage, ready to perform.
- He catwalked in front of the mirror, practicing his runway pose.
This verbal use is more metaphorical and less formal, often used to describe confident or exaggerated walking styles, sometimes humorously.
Grammatical Forms of Catwalk as a Verb
When used as a verb, catwalk follows regular conjugation patterns typical of English verbs:
- Present: catwalk / catwalks
- Past: catwalked
- Present participle/gerund: catwalking
- Past participle: catwalked
For example:
- She catwalks with remarkable poise.
- Yesterday, he catwalked down the hallway like a supermodel.
- They were catwalking backstage before the show started.
Examples in Popular Culture and Media
The verb form of catwalk has gained some popularity in media, entertainment, and everyday conversations, especially when describing someone’s confident or exaggerated way of walking. It is sometimes used humorously or affectionately to praise someone’s style.
- Look at her catwalk across the room she owns it!
- The contestants catwalked during the talent show to impress the judges.
- He catwalked to the podium to accept his award with flair.
These examples show the versatility and playful tone the verb catwalk can carry.
Difference Between Catwalk and Similar Verbs
Catwalk as a verb overlaps somewhat with other verbs like strut, parade, and model. Each carries slightly different nuances:
- Strut: To walk with a proud, confident gait, sometimes arrogantly.
- Parade: To walk or march publicly, often to display something.
- Model: To walk as a model does on the runway.
- Catwalk: Specifically to walk in a way that imitates the poised, stylish runway walk.
While catwalk has a more direct connection to the fashion runway, it can be used figuratively to describe confident walking in other contexts as well.
Is Catwalk as a Verb Recognized by Dictionaries?
Most traditional dictionaries list catwalk primarily as a noun. However, some modern or online dictionaries have begun to recognize the verb form, especially as informal or slang. This reflects language’s natural evolution where nouns become verbs (a process called verbing) to express new actions related to the original noun.
In formal writing, it is still safer to use catwalk as a noun and describe walking separately (e.g., She walked as if on a catwalk). But in casual conversation, social media, or creative writing, using catwalk as a verb is perfectly understandable and adds a dynamic flair to description.
How to Use Catwalk as a Verb Properly
When using catwalk as a verb, consider your audience and context. It fits best in informal or expressive settings. Here are some tips:
- Use it to describe confident, stylish walking, often with flair or exaggeration.
- Pair it with adverbs for vividness: She catwalked confidently, He catwalked dramatically.
- Reserve it for metaphorical or figurative speech, especially outside fashion contexts.
- Avoid it in highly formal or technical writing unless explaining its meaning.
Synonyms and Related Expressions
When describing someone walking like a model on a runway, other verbs can be used interchangeably or to add variety:
- Strut
- Parade
- Saunter
- Swagger
- Pose
Each word brings a slightly different nuance, but catwalk as a verb is unique in directly linking to the world of fashion and modeling.
To answer the question: yes, catwalk can function as a verb, though it is primarily known as a noun. Its verbal use conveys walking confidently and stylishly, often imitating a fashion model’s runway walk. While not yet fully mainstream in formal English, it is widely understood in informal speech and creative writing. Recognizing catwalk as a verb enriches one’s vocabulary and allows for expressive, vivid descriptions of movement and style. Whether you’re describing someone walking into a room with confidence or a model at a fashion show, catwalk as a verb adds personality and flair to the narrative.