meow

[ mee-ou, myou ]

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

/ mɪˈaʊl; mjaʊl; mjaʊ; mɪˈaʊ /

verb

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

interjection

1. an imitation of this sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of meow¹

First recorded in 1870–75; imitative

Example Sentences

Even if you’re not 100 percent sure which purr or meow means what, it’s safe to assume your feline pal won’t turn down a new toy.

From Popular-Science

See what records Kim Kardashian, Breaking Bad, Colonel Meow, and Betty White broke in 2013.

From The Daily Beast

"I have slight suggestion, perhaps merely cat's meow and not worthy exalted attention," he offered.

From Project Gutenberg

Then at its highest and loudest there was a prolonged "meow" and silence, followed finally by the sweet chant of the Song-sparrow.

From Project Gutenberg

The big Maltese cat did not like to hear the whistle so close to his27 ears; it made his ears hurt, so he said “Meow!”

From Project Gutenberg

Jeremiah remembered his former unhappy experience, apparently, for with one despairing meow he disappeared down the chimney.

From Project Gutenberg

I nearly fell in, myself, trying to get it out, but the well was deep and I couldn't raise a meow or a whisker.

From Project Gutenberg