mew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, descriptive, ornithological (hawking context).
Quick answer
What does “mew” mean?
The characteristic high-pitched cry of a cat, especially a kitten.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The characteristic high-pitched cry of a cat, especially a kitten.
To make such a sound; also, a cage for hawks, or a seagull (archaic/regional).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'mew' for a gull is more likely recognised in UK contexts. The verb for a cat's cry is understood in both.
Connotations
In both, the verb 'mew' suggests a softer, more plaintive, or kitten-like sound than 'meow'.
Frequency
The verb is low-frequency in both, more common in literary contexts. The noun (cage/gull) is very rare in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “mew” in a Sentence
[Subject] mews[Subject] mews [Adverbial] (e.g., softly, plaintively)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mew” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lost kitten began to mew piteously outside the door.
- From the barn, we could hear the cat mewing for its supper.
American English
- The tiny kitten mewed softly from inside the cardboard box.
- Don't just mew at me—come here if you want food.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival use.
American English
- No standard adjectival use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, possibly in literary analysis or historical texts on falconry.
Everyday
Used descriptively for cat sounds, especially by writers or in children's stories.
Technical
In historical ornithology/falconry for a cage or enclosure for molting hawks.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mew”
- Using 'mew' for loud cat sounds (use 'yowl' or 'caterwaul').
- Confusing 'mew' (cat sound) with 'mew' (gull) in modern contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They refer to the same basic sound, but 'mew' often implies a softer, weaker, or more plaintive cry, typical of a kitten. 'Meow' is the more common, general term.
Typically, no. It is specifically onomatopoeic for the cry of a cat. The unrelated noun 'mew' can refer to a seagull (archaic/regional).
It is neutral but literary. In everyday speech, 'meow' is far more common. 'Mew' is often chosen for descriptive or stylistic effect in writing.
There is no semantic connection. They are homographs (same spelling, different meaning and origin). 'Mew' for a cage comes from Old French 'mue' (a moulting cage), while 'mew' for a cat's cry is imitative.
The characteristic high-pitched cry of a cat, especially a kitten.
Mew: in British English it is pronounced /mjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /mjuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'mew'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a kitten's 'mew' sounding like 'you' with an 'm' – a soft call for 'you'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS A CRY FOR ATTENTION (the mew as a vocal request for care).
Practice
Quiz
In a historical context, a 'mew' could refer to: