meow

American  

[mee-ou, myou] / miˈaʊ, myaʊ /

Sometimes miaou,

noun

1. the characteristic sound a cat makes.

2. a spiteful or catty remark.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to make the sound of a cat.

2. to make a spiteful or catty remark.

meow British  

/ mjaʊl, mjaʊ, mɪˈaʊl, mɪˈaʊ /

verb

1. (intr) (of a cat) to make a characteristic crying sound

---

interjection

1. an imitation of this sound

Etymology

Origin of meow

First recorded in 1870–75; imitative

Example Sentences

In Denver, head to the immersive art installation Meow Wolf for sensory overload and to your nearest craft brewery or green-chile slinger for fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

Meow Wolf likes to say that its upcoming Los Angeles exhibition is focused on the art of storytelling — why it matters, what it means and how stories transform.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

Meow Wolf focuses on maximalist, sensory overloaded art, but at least one key space in Los Angeles will be dedicated to deep contemplation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

"So, as they say, my work here is done. Meow."

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2024

I slashed with Riptide, a good strike to the flank that should’ve cut the monster into Meow Mix, but the blade just clanged against its fur in a burst of sparks.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan