Standard Lemma guide

catch-as-catch-can

adj · adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Only when possible or when the opportunity presents itself; intermittent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • My efforts lately have been catch-as-catch-can, not carefully planned.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Relating to catch wrestling, a folk style of wrestling with minimal restrictions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: government, hobbies, lifestyle, martial-arts, military, politics, sports, war, wrestling

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adv

Meaning 3

Ad hoc; in any way possible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.