meta
2 synonyms for meta, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Referring to itself or its own category — self-aware or self-referential in nature.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
self-referential
self-aware
How to use meta
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a meta joke
the current meta
go meta
Etymology
Borrowed as a stand-alone word from the prefix "meta-" (from Greek meta, "beyond, after, with"), used in words like metaphysics and metadata.
Full origin of meta →Frequently asked questions
What does “meta” mean?
The word “meta” means referring to itself or its own category — self-aware or self-referential in nature. In plain terms, self-referential (commenting on its own category), or, in gaming, "currently the best/most-used strategy".
How do you pronounce “meta”?
“Meta” is pronounced MEH-tuh (/ˈmɛtə/ in IPA).
How do you use “meta” in a sentence?
Here is “meta” used in a sentence: “The movie made a meta joke about its own sequel.”
What part of speech is “meta”?
“Meta” is an adjective.
Where does the word “meta” come from?
The word “meta” comes from Greek. Borrowed as a stand-alone word from the prefix "meta-" (from Greek meta, "beyond, after, with"), used in words like metaphysics and metadata.
Is “meta” a common word?
“Meta” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “meta” have?
“Meta” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: referring to itself or its own category — self-aware or self-referential in nature.
What is the difference between meta and self-referential?
Meta and self-referential are closely related, both describing something that refers to itself or its own category. "Meta" is the more casual, everyday term, while "self-referential" is a more formal or technical way of describing the same concept, often used in academic or linguistic discussion.
What does meta mean in gaming?
In gaming, meta describes a strategy, character, or item that is currently considered the most effective and widely used within a game's community. A "meta build" or "meta pick" refers to choices that are dominant in competitive play at a given time.
How is meta used outside of gaming?
Outside gaming, meta is used as an adjective to describe something self-aware or self-referential, such as a joke about jokes or a movie that comments on its own genre conventions. This broader use has become common in everyday and online conversation.
