A1 to stop something that is moving through the air by getting it in your hands: Try to catch the ball.
A1 to get on a bus, train, etc.: I caught the last train home.
A2 to get an illness or disease: I think I caught a cold from her.
B1 to find and stop a person or animal who is trying to escape: He ran after the dog, but couldn’t catch him.
› to stick somewhere, or to make something stick somewhere: My dress got caught on a nail and tore.
catch fire B1 to start burning
catch someone’s attention, interest, etc. › to make someone notice something and feel interested: All the noise in the street caught his attention.
› to discover someone who is doing something wrong or something secret: She was caught cheating on the test.