meow
4 synonyms for meow, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The characteristic vocal sound made by a cat.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The characteristic vocal sound made by a cat.
“The kitten gave a tiny meow at the door.”
Etymology
An imitation of the sound itself (onomatopoeia), replacing the older English word "mew" in the 19th century.
Full origin of meow →Frequently asked questions
What does “meow” mean?
The word “meow” means the characteristic vocal sound made by a cat. In plain terms, the sound a cat makes, or to make that sound.
How do you pronounce “meow”?
“Meow” is pronounced mee-OW (/miˈaʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “meow” in a sentence?
Here is “meow” used in a sentence: “The kitten gave a tiny meow at the door.”
What part of speech is “meow”?
Depending on how it is used, “meow” can be a noun, a verb and an intj.
Where does the word “meow” come from?
The word “meow” dates back to around 1800. An imitation of the sound itself (onomatopoeia), replacing the older English word "mew" in the 19th century.
Is “meow” a common word?
“Meow” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “meow” have?
“Meow” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the characteristic vocal sound made by a cat.
