meryl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (except as a proper name)Informal when used as an allusion; neutral as a name.
Quick answer
What does “meryl” mean?
A proper noun, most commonly a female given name.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, most commonly a female given name; also a surname.
Rarely, an informal or creative reference to the acclaimed actress Meryl Streep, used as shorthand for exceptional acting talent or critical acclaim.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The name 'Meryl' is used in both cultures.
Connotations
In non-name contexts, largely associated with the persona and career of Meryl Streep.
Frequency
As a given name, more common in the mid-20th century. As an allusion, frequency depends on cultural discussion of film/acting.
Grammar
How to Use “meryl” in a Sentence
[Referential] a 'Meryl' [performance]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meryl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She absolutely Meryled that role (informal).
American English
- He needs to Meryl his way through this audition (informal).
adverb
British English
- She acted Merylesquely in the final scene (humorous/rare).
adjective
British English
- That was a truly Meryl performance.
American English
- She gave a Meryl-worthy audition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Might appear in film studies or cultural criticism as a referent.
Everyday
Exclusively as a person's name or in informal discussion of film.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meryl”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meryl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meryl”
- Using 'meryl' as a common noun (e.g., 'She is a meryl').
- Assuming it has a standard dictionary definition beyond being a name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is primarily a proper noun (a name). Its use as a common referent to acting excellence is informal and derived from the actress Meryl Streep.
Only as a proper name (e.g., 'Meryl attended the conference'). The informal, referential usage is not appropriate for formal contexts.
It is a Welsh name, originally a female given name, possibly derived from 'Meriel' or a combination of 'Mary' and 'Beryl'.
No, the standard pronunciation /ˈmɛrəl/ is essentially the same in both major dialects.
A proper noun, most commonly a female given name.
Meryl: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛrəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛrəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull a Meryl (informal: to deliver an exceptionally convincing performance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Meryl is MERited with being a legendarY actress.
Conceptual Metaphor
MERYL IS THE PINNACLE OF ACTING (when used referentially).
Practice
Quiz
In informal usage, what does 'to pull a Meryl' typically mean?