Mewed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mewed

[mjuหd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

Mewed refers to the sound made by a cat, typically a soft, high-pitched cry. This vocalization is often used by kittens seeking attention or by adult cats expressing discomfort or a desire for something. The term can also describe the act of cats vocalizing in a way that is similar to a meow, which can vary in tone and intensity. Understanding the context of a mewed sound can help cat owners respond appropriately to their pet's needs.

Synonyms

cry, meow, whine.

Examples of usage

  • The kitten mewed softly for its mother's attention.
  • She heard her cat mewed outside the door.
  • The stray cat mewed pitifully, asking for food.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In the book 'The Cat in the Hat', the sound of the cat is playful and mischievous, making the concept of 'mewing' a fun and engaging part of childrenโ€™s literature.
  • Edgar Allan Poe uses the sound of a mewed creature to create eerie atmospheres in some of his works, linking the sound to secrecy and mystery.
  • The use of tender 'mewing' enhances emotional connections between characters and pets in many novels, emphasizing softness and vulnerability.

Pop Culture

  • 'Mew' has become a popular term beyond just sound, often personified in cartoons and films as adorable, playful animals that endear themselves to audiences.
  • YouTube channels dedicated to pet care often feature 'mewing' as part of their content, engaging millions of viewers with cute cat videos.
  • In video games like 'Pokรฉmon', a character named Mew has a playful demeanor, connecting the creature's name to the gentle sound cats make.

Origin of 'mewed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'mew' originates from the Middle English word 'mewen', which is rooted in the Old French 'mue', and alludes to the sound made by young cats.
  • Historically, the word related to the term 'mew' meaning to confine, as young birds are often confined before they can fly, similar to kittens before they learn to make their sounds.
  • The evolution of the word reflects the cultural importance of cats in society, as their sounds were noted early on in literature and language.

The term 'mew' originates from the Old English word 'mลซgan', which meant to bleat or make a sound. This word has Germanic roots and is associated with the sounds made by small animals, particularly feline species. The evolution of the word into its current form 'mew' reflects how language adapts to describe specific actions and sounds of animals. Over the years, 'mew' has become a staple in descriptive animal sound language, particularly in relation to cats. The rise of domesticated cats in human society has further cemented the term, linking it closely with the emotional and communicative ways cats interact with their owners.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,486, 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.