meaning
MEE-nihng
Meaning (noun) means the idea or sense that a word, action, or symbol is intended to convey. Example: “I did not understand the meaning of the road sign until my friend explained it.”
noun
1
The idea or sense that a word, action, or symbol is intended to convey.
"I did not understand the meaning of the road sign until my friend explained it."
"The meaning of the poem wasn't clear until the final stanza."
"Look up the meaning of this word in the dictionary."
2
A sense of purpose or significance in life.
"After he retired, he struggled to find meaning in his days."
"Many people say that family gives their lives meaning."
"Volunteering gave her life new meaning."
How to use meaning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat something signifies, or the sense of purpose behind it.
Common pairings
true meaning
lose meaning
meaning of life
double meaning
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Word forms
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I did not understand the _____ of the road sign until my friend explained it.
Etymology
From Middle English mening, built from mean plus the noun-forming suffix -ing.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for meaning
See all rhymes for meaning →Frequently asked questions
What does “meaning” mean?
The word “meaning” means the idea or sense that a word, action, or symbol is intended to convey. In plain terms, what something signifies, or the sense of purpose behind it.
How do you pronounce “meaning”?
“Meaning” is pronounced MEE-nihng (/ˈmi.nɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “meaning” in a sentence?
Here is “meaning” used in a sentence: “The meaning of the poem wasn't clear until the final stanza.”
What part of speech is “meaning”?
“Meaning” is a noun.
Where does the word “meaning” come from?
The word “meaning” comes from Middle English. From Middle English mening, built from mean plus the noun-forming suffix -ing.
Is “meaning” a common word?
“Meaning” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “meaning” have?
“Meaning” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the idea or sense that a word, action, or symbol is intended to convey.
What is the difference between meaning and definition?
A definition is a formal, dictionary-style explanation of what a word denotes. Meaning is broader: the whole idea or sense conveyed, including tone, context, and implication. Two words can share a similar definition yet carry different meanings because of how, where, and by whom they are actually used.
Can a word have more than one meaning?
Yes. Many words are polysemous, carrying several related or distinct meanings depending on context. "Bank," for example, can mean a financial institution or the side of a river. Readers rely on the surrounding words and the situation to settle on the intended meaning each time.
What is the difference between literal and figurative meaning?
Literal meaning is the direct, factual sense of the words themselves. Figurative meaning uses those words to suggest something beyond the literal, as in metaphors and idioms. "Break the ice" literally describes cracking frozen water, but figuratively it means easing tension in an awkward social situation.
What is an example of meaning?
A red traffic light carries the meaning "stop," and a thumbs-up gesture conveys approval. In language, the word "home" conveys not just a building but a sense of belonging. Each shows an idea deliberately communicated through a word, action, or symbol to someone else.
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