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

Another shell casing, authorities say, read "NoTices Bulge OWO What's This?" - a reference to a meme about furry subculture and online roleplaying.

From BBC

Am I The Drama? - a title inspired by a RuPaul's Drag Race meme - was released on Friday, and is her first full-length album since her 2018 debut Invasion of Privacy.

From BBC

It became a meme and a symbol of his refusal to apologise for his methods.

From BBC

Robinson goes on to fret about losing his grandfather’s rifle and describes the engravings on the shell casings found at the scene as “mostly a big meme.”

From Salon

“Restless” might be as much of an understatement as the delicate little engagement ring Jeremiah gave Belly this season, prompting viral memes galore.

From Los Angeles Times