metoo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighFormal, Journalistic, Activist, Academic
Quick answer
What does “metoo” mean?
A social movement against sexual harassment and assault, empowering survivors, primarily women, to speak publicly about their experiences by using the phrase "Me Too".
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social movement against sexual harassment and assault, empowering survivors, primarily women, to speak publicly about their experiences by using the phrase "Me Too".
Used as an adjective or noun to describe the cultural movement, its associated activism, or phenomena related to the public disclosure of sexual misconduct, often in professional or institutional contexts. Can also refer more broadly to a moment of collective recognition of systemic abuse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term originated in the US and spread globally. Spelling is consistently "MeToo". Potential minor differences in the specific cultural figures or legal cases most associated with the movement in local media.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with empowerment, social reckoning, and activism. Can also carry connotations of controversy, polarizing debates about credibility, cancel culture, and institutional change.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English media due to the movement's origins and many high-profile cases occurring in the US, but is a globally recognized term in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “metoo” in a Sentence
The MeToo movement has changed...In the MeToo era,...She shared her MeToo story.A post-MeToo workplace.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metoo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The MeToo era has reshaped parliamentary conduct.
- It was a defining MeToo moment for the industry.
American English
- Post-MeToo workplace policies are now standard.
- The hearing became a national MeToo event.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to policies, training, and cultural changes in workplaces to prevent harassment (e.g., 'post-MeToo HR policies').
Academic
Studied in sociology, gender studies, law, and media studies regarding social movements, discourse, and institutional power.
Everyday
Used in general discussion about news stories related to sexual misconduct, celebrity culture, and changing social norms.
Technical
Not a technical term; usage remains in socio-political and journalistic domains.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metoo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metoo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metoo”
- Writing it in lowercase ('me too') when referring to the movement.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'She was MeTooed').
- Confusing it with the general phrase 'me too' in conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the social movement and its associated phenomena, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized as 'MeToo' or '#MeToo'. The lowercase 'me too' is a separate, common phrase.
The phrase was coined by activist Tarana Burke in 2006, but the movement gained global prominence in October 2017 following allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein, popularized by the hashtag #MeToo on social media.
Yes. While the movement centres the experiences of women and marginalized genders, it advocates for all survivors of sexual violence, including men. Men are also encouraged to be allies in the movement.
MeToo is primarily a movement of survivor advocacy and breaking silence. Time's Up, which emerged shortly after, is a related but distinct initiative focused on legal defence, systemic change in industries, and fighting workplace inequality.
A social movement against sexual harassment and assault, empowering survivors, primarily women, to speak publicly about their experiences by using the phrase "Me Too".
Metoo is usually formal, journalistic, activist, academic in register.
Metoo: in British English it is pronounced /miː ˈtuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /mi ˈtuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A MeToo moment”
- “The MeToo effect”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Me Too' as many individual voices ('Me') joining together ('Too') to create a collective shout against abuse.
Conceptual Metaphor
BREAKING SILENCE IS EMPOWERMENT / A MOVEMENT IS A WAVE (e.g., 'a wave of accusations').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core meaning of 'MeToo' (capitalized)?