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Meow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'meow'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'meow' is an onomatopoeic term that imitates the sound made by cats. It is believed that 'meow' originated from the Middle English word 'mewen,' which also referred to the sound made by cats. Over time, 'meow' became the commonly accepted term for the vocalization of cats in English. Cats use meowing as a form of communication, often to express their needs or feelings to humans or other animals.

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.