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Meow: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฑ
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meow

 

[maสŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Interjection

expression of a cat

The sound a cat makes, typically to get attention or express contentment. It is a high-pitched, short sound that is often repeated multiple times in succession.

Synonyms

mew.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meow

Typically used to describe the sound that adult cats make. It's a versatile term commonly used in everyday conversations and childrenโ€™s stories.

  • The cat meowed loudly when it was hungry
  • My cat always greets me with a meow
mew

Often used to describe a softer or quieter sound made by kittens or young cats. It might also be used poetically or in more refined contexts.

  • The kitten mewed gently from its cozy spot
  • I could hear a faint mew coming from the corner of the room

Examples of usage

  • The cat meowed loudly outside the door.
  • She meowed softly while snuggling with her owner.
  • The kitten meowed incessantly until it was fed.
  • The stray cat meowed pitifully, looking for food.
  • The cat meowed in response to its owner's call.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'meow' originates from the early 19th century, imitating the sound made by cats.
  • In Old English, the sound was represented in different ways, such as 'miau' or 'meo'.
  • Many languages have their unique interpretations of this sound, such as 'nya' in Japanese.

Animal Behavior

  • Cats often use 'meowing' as a way to communicate with humans, especially when they want attention or food.
  • Adult cats typically meow more frequently to humans than to other cats; they develop this sound to express their needs.
  • The tone and pitch of the meow can indicate different emotions, from happiness to distress.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'meow' is frequently used in cartoons and movies to depict cats, reinforcing their playful and quirky nature.
  • Famous internet cats like Grumpy Cat have made 'meow' a staple in memes, adding to its cultural appeal.
  • The song 'Meow Mix' playfully incorporates the sound in advertisements aimed at cat owners.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that humans are inclined to respond to cat meows similarly to how they respond to infant cries, demonstrating an innate caregiving reaction.
  • Some studies indicate that people find the sound of a cat's meow to be particularly soothing, comparable to baby-like sounds.
  • Cats have been known to modify their meows when interacting with different humans, adapting their style to elicit a response.

Literature

  • The 'meow' sound has been featured in various children's books, often representing playful or mischievous kitty characters.
  • In poetry, the sound 'meow' is sometimes used to evoke a whimsical or lighthearted atmosphere.
  • Famous poems about cats feature the sound to capture their unique, independent nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "meow" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น miau

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅเคฏเคพเคŠเค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช miau

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ meong

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝัะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ miau

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‹ใƒฃใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท miaou

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ miau

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท miyav

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ผ์˜น

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูŠุงูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mลˆau

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mลˆau

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ–ต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mijav

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mjรกl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผััƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒงแƒ”แƒค

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ miyav

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ miau

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,834, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.