meme

American  

[meem] / mim /

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.

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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 British  

/ miːm /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of meme

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. )

Example Sentences

There is a contingent of Mexicans who find the whole thing a bit nauseating, another example of businesses latching onto and capitalizing on an internet meme.

From The Wall Street Journal

It's a celebration of memes and fleeting moments that make up just one slice of Chinese life.

From BBC

It has sparked some humour as well, such as memes of bouquets made from rolled chapati bread.

From BBC

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo frequently held hands, wore matching outfits and cried together on their Wicked press tour, sparking endless memes.

From BBC

Dawson ugly-crying as he "sets Joey free" to be with Pacey is still a hugely popular meme.

From BBC