meow

American  

[mee-ou, myou] / miˈaʊ, myaʊ /

Sometimes miaou,

noun

1. the characteristic sound a cat makes.

2. a spiteful or catty remark.

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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

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interjection

1. an imitation of this sound

Etymology

Origin of meow

First recorded in 1870–75; imitative

Example Sentences

I’m about to suggest a new game when the cat clock in the kitchen starts meowing.

From Literature

A domestic cat's purr reveals much more about its individual identity than its meow.

From Science Daily

He lets out a long meow, and then settles in, right against my thigh.

From Literature

He would eat and then meow to leave.

From Los Angeles Times

Dodger Stadium organist Dieter Ruehle has a long memory, playing a “meow” sound effect after each strikeout Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times