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Mew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mew

[mjuː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sound

The characteristic sound made by a cat.

Synonyms

meow, purr, yowl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mew

Usually used to describe the soft, high-pitched sound made by a kitten or a cat, especially when they are trying to get attention or are in distress.

  • The kitten began to mew when it couldn't find its mother
meow

Commonly used to refer to the standard vocalization of a cat, can express various emotions like hunger, annoyance, or a desire for attention.

  • The cat meowed loudly until someone fed it
purr

Describes the low, continuous vibrating sound that cats make when they are content or happy.

  • The cat started to purr as soon as I began petting it
yowl

Describes a loud, prolonged, and often harsh cry. Usually used when a cat is in pain, expressing strong discontent, or sometimes during mating calls. Negative connotation due to its harshness.

  • The stray cat yowled outside my window all night long

Examples of usage

  • The kitten let out a mew when it was hungry.
  • The mew of the cat woke up the whole household.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Kittens often mew to communicate with their mother, asking for attention or food.
  • Adult cats may also mew but typically do so to communicate with humans, not other cats.

Literature

  • In poetry, a 'mew' can symbolize innocence, vulnerability, or a soft plea, often representing a quieter aspect of nature.
  • In literature, cats are often depicted as mysterious creatures, and their mews can signify a hidden presence in a narrative.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, cats are seen as symbols of independence; their soft mew can represent a call for freedom or attention.
  • Japanese folklore often includes cats as lucky animals, and their purrs or mews can signify happiness.

Sound Analysis

  • The frequency of a cat's mew typically ranges from 300 to 600 Hz, which is quite appealing to human ears and invokes a nurturing response.
  • The pitch and tone of a mew can vary significantly, with higher pitches often signifying urgency or a call for immediate attention.

Origin of 'mew'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the 14th century, derived from the Middle English term 'mewen', which means to meow.
  • In Old French, 'mou' means to make a soft cry, linking to how we describe feline sounds today.

The word 'mew' as a noun originates from Middle English 'mewen' meaning to cry or make a sound. It is closely related to the sound made by cats and has been used to describe this specific noise for centuries.

See also: mewl.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,274 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.