Meowing: meaning, definitions and examples

Animal Behavior

• Cats use meowing more often with humans than with other cats, showing they have adapted their communication for us.
• Each cat can have a unique meow that expresses different feelings like happiness, hunger, or annoyance.
• Kittens start meowing to their mothers shortly after birth, but adult cats typically meow less once they are independent.

Linguistics

• The word 'meow' mimics the sound it describes, making it an example of an onomatopoeia, a word that sounds like what it represents.
• Different cultures have their own interpretations of cat sounds, like 'nya' in Japanese and 'miau' in Spanish.
• Linguists have studied cat sounds as a form of animal communication, revealing complex 'dialects' based on tone and context.

Cultural Significance

• In various cultures, meowing cats are often associated with superstitions; for example, in some places, they are thought to bring good or bad luck.
• Famous literary works and films often portray cats as mystical creatures, with their meows symbolizing mystery or magic.
• The internet has popularized cat culture, where videos of cats meowing or talking to their owners have become viral sensations.

Science

• Research has shown that cats can modify their meows in response to human behavior, demonstrating their ability to learn and adapt.
• Meowing is a reflexive behavior that can signify various emotional states, with studies using sound analysis to understand these signals better.
• The frequency and intensity of a meow can reflect a cat's physical condition, showing how they may communicate pain or discomfort.

History

• Domestication of cats dates back to 9,000 years ago in the Near East, where they began to live alongside humans and developed new communication methods.
• Historically, cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt, and their vocalizations were regarded as sacred, leading to their esteemed status in society.
• Throughout history, various books and writings document cat behaviors, including meowing, revealing humans' long-standing fascination with these animals.

Ranking #39,216, 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.

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