meads: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2)Archaic, Poetic, Regional (UK), Historical (for the drink sense).
Quick answer
What does “meads” mean?
A plural noun for meadows, referring to areas of grassland, especially low-lying or near rivers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plural noun for meadows, referring to areas of grassland, especially low-lying or near rivers.
A very rare historical plural of 'mead' (an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey and water). Almost exclusively archaic or poetic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively found in British literary or historical contexts and UK place names (e.g., 'Stanley Meads'). In American English, 'meadows' is universal for the land form, and the drink 'mead' is very niche.
Connotations
Connotes rural, pastoral, old-fashioned, or quaint settings.
Frequency
Virtually unused in contemporary speech in either variety. Its occurrence is a marker of deliberate archaism or specific toponymy.
Grammar
How to Use “meads” in a Sentence
[preposition] the meads (of)the meads [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical, literary, or toponymic studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A speaker would say 'meadows'.
Technical
Possibly in historical ecology or agriculture to describe specific low-lying grasslands.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meads”
- Using 'meads' in modern contexts instead of 'meadows'. Mistaking it for a singular form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's extremely rare and mostly found in old literature, poetry, or specific UK place names.
They mean the same thing. 'Meads' is an archaic/regional plural of 'meadow'. 'Meadows' is the standard modern plural.
Only in a historical context. The plural of the alcoholic drink 'mead' is almost always just 'mead' (e.g., 'three types of mead'), but 'meads' can be found in very old texts.
No. It is a word for recognition only (C2 level). For active use, always choose 'meadows' for the land form.
A plural noun for meadows, referring to areas of grassland, especially low-lying or near rivers.
Meads is usually archaic, poetic, regional (uk), historical (for the drink sense). in register.
Meads: in British English it is pronounced /miːdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /miːdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'meads'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Meeds' (for 'meadows') need grass seed.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAST IS A PASTORAL LANDSCAPE ('the meads of yore').
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you legitimately encounter the word 'meads' today?