Definition of meow

Short definition: The word meow refers to the typical sound a cat makes, and it is often used playfully or descriptively to imitate cats, show cuteness, or describe animal sounds in a simple and familiar way.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word meow? The word meow is closely connected to cats and the sounds they make. People use it to describe the natural vocal sound of a cat, but it is also used playfully by humans in writing, jokes, and online messages. It can function as both a noun and a verb depending on how it appears in a sentence. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: meow, meows, meowed, meowing
Related: cat n., purr v., hiss v.
Syllable: me-ow

1. (Noun) The typical sound made by a cat when it wants attention food or interaction.

   A meow is the vocal sound produced by a cat, often used to communicate needs, emotions, or reactions such as hunger, curiosity, greeting, or discomfort, and it can vary in tone length and volume depending on what the cat is trying to express.

   The soft meow from the kitchen reminded her that the cat was waiting for breakfast and growing impatient.
   Each meow sounded different, making it clear that the cat was trying to communicate something specific.
   She woke up to a loud meow outside her bedroom door asking to be let in.

   Synonyms: cat sound, feline call, kitty noise, cat vocalization, animal cry, pet sound, feline voice, soft cry, animal call, cat noise, feline sound, vocal sound
   Antonyms: silence, quiet, no sound, muteness, stillness, hush, soundlessness, quietness, no noise, calm silence, wordlessness, quiet state

2. (Verb) To make the sound that a cat naturally produces.

   To meow means to produce the characteristic sound of a cat, often as a form of communication, and it can also be used humorously when describing a person imitating a cat for fun or expression.

   The cat began to meow loudly when it realized its food bowl was empty.
   She jokingly meowed back at the kitten while playing on the floor.
   The stray cat would meow at anyone passing by hoping for food or attention.

   Synonyms: cry like a cat, make a cat sound, vocalize, call out, emit a sound, animal call, feline vocalize, pet cry, cat cry, produce sound, make noise, vocal expression
   Antonyms: stay silent, remain quiet, make no sound, hush, keep quiet, be silent, stop vocalizing, quiet down, say nothing, mute, still, silence oneself

3. (Slang) Used playfully in text or speech to imitate a cat or sound cute humorous or ironic.

   In informal and online contexts, meow is sometimes used by people as a playful or humorous expression, often to sound cute, ironic, or to reference cat culture without actually referring to a real animal sound.

   She ended the message with a playful meow to make the conversation sound light and friendly.
   He typed meow in the chat as a joke after sharing a picture of his cat.
   The caption simply said meow, perfectly matching the silly photo.

   Synonyms: playful sound, cute expression, cat joke, internet slang sound, fun noise, silly expression, humorous sound, online pet reference, cute reply, meme sound, playful reply, ironic sound
   Antonyms: serious tone, formal expression, direct speech, plain wording, non playful reply, serious response, neutral message, formal language, straight talk, professional tone, no humor, seriousness