meme

[meem]

noun

1. 1. a cultural item that is transmitted by repetition and replication in a manner analogous to the biological transmission of genes.

   2. a cultural item in the form of an image, video, phrase, etc., that is spread via the internet and often altered in a creative or humorous way.

verb (used without object)

memed, memeing, meming. 

1. to create and spread memes.

   He spends a lot of time memeing and sharing his videos with friends.

verb (used with object)

memed, memeing, meming. 

1. to make the subject of a meme.

   cute cats that get memed.

meme

/ miːm /

noun

1. an idea or element of social behaviour passed on through generations in a culture, esp by imitation

Word History and Origins

Origin of meme¹

First recorded in 1976; coined by British evolutionary biologist C. Richard Dawkins (born 1941), shortening of Dawkins's original creation mimeme, which was based on Greek mī́mēma “imitation, copy; artistic representation,” but which Dawkins also wanted to look and sound like gene; mimesis ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of meme¹

C20: possibly from _mimic , on the model of _gene

Example Sentences

If the government were to start taxing religious organizations, the losers would not be the conservative megachurches and culture war-minded ministries that have led progressives to create a thousand “Tax the Churches” memes.

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Social media erupted with debate, memes and condemnation.

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The tirade went viral within hours, sparking widespread discussion, memes and commentary across Twitter/X, TikTok and Instagram.

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Reaching Bihar's 130 million mostly young people, Kishor brought hype, methods, charisma - and even memes.

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“What they’ve done to that place, it’s like living in hell,” he said, a comment that became an internet meme as some Portland residents juxtaposed it with tranquil images of the city.

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