meow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, onomatopoeic. Common in everyday and children's language. Figurative use is more playful/colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “meow” mean?
The characteristic crying sound made by a cat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The characteristic crying sound made by a cat.
1) The vocal imitation of a cat's cry made by a person. 2) To make such a sound. 3) (Figurative, informal) To complain or speak in a weak, plaintive, or whining manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'miaow' is a common alternative spelling. American English strongly prefers 'meow'. The word 'meow' is more frequently used in product names, branding, and media in the US.
Connotations
No significant difference in core meaning. The figurative verb 'to meow' (complain) is slightly more established and recognized in American informal use.
Frequency
The word is of comparable frequency, but the 'miaow' spelling gives it a distinct visual presence in UK texts.
Grammar
How to Use “meow” in a Sentence
[SUBJ:Cat/Person] + meow(s)[SUBJ:Cat/Person] + meow(s) + [OBJ: for food/attention]let out/emit/give + [DET] + meowVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The kitten miaowed pitifully at the door.
- Stop miaowing and just tell me what you want.
American English
- The cat meowed all night for no apparent reason.
- He just meowed about the heat instead of opening a window.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in a literal sense. Could appear in humorous marketing (e.g., for a pet product).
Academic
Only in specific contexts like zoology, animal behavior studies, or linguistics (as an example of onomatopoeia).
Everyday
High frequency when discussing pets. The figurative verb is common in informal conversation.
Technical
Rare. Potentially in veterinary medicine or audio engineering for describing animal vocalizations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meow”
- Spelling: Confusing 'meow' with 'miaow' based on variety.
- Overusing the figurative sense in formal contexts.
- Using it for other animal sounds (e.g., dog barks, it does not 'meow').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Miaow' is the standard British English spelling, while 'meow' is standard in American English. Both are correct within their respective varieties.
Yes, informally. When used for a person, 'to meow' means to complain or speak in a weak, whining, or plaintive tone, often with a humorous or critical connotation (e.g., 'He just meowed about the problem instead of fixing it').
'Meow/miaow' is the standard, neutral cry. 'Mew' suggests a softer, weaker, or more high-pitched cry, often from a kitten. 'Yowl' is a longer, louder, often more distressed or aggressive cry.
No, 'the cat's meow' (meaning 'something excellent') is American slang from the 1920s. It is now considered very dated and is used almost exclusively for a humorous, old-fashioned effect.
The characteristic crying sound made by a cat.
Meow is usually informal, onomatopoeic. common in everyday and children's language. figurative use is more playful/colloquial. in register.
Meow: in British English it is pronounced /miˈaʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /miˈaʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the cat's meow (US, dated slang: something excellent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the letters in 'MEOW' as the shape of a cat's mouth when it makes the sound: M (mouth closed), E (opens a bit), O (wide open), W (closing again).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLAINING IS THE VOCALIZATION OF A CAT (e.g., 'The customers just meowed about the new policy').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'meow' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?