1. Having a grey or brown streak or a pattern or a patchy colouring; used especially of the patterned fur of cats
   "They saw a furry moth with brown wings and a tabby brown and white pattern";
   - brindled, brindle, brinded

1. A cat with a grey or tawny coat mottled with black
   "The tabby cat's distinctive stripes make it easily recognizable";
   - tabby cat
    
2. An adult female cat valued for breeding
   "The tabby gave birth to a litter of six kittens";
   - queen

Derived forms: tabbies

See also: patterned

Type of: cat, domestic cat, Felis catus, Felis domesticus, house cat, kitty [informal], kitty-cat [informal], mog [Brit, informal], moggie [Brit, informal], moggy [Brit, informal], puss [informal], pussy [informal], pussycat [informal]

Encyclopedia: Tabby