meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl 

1

a

: having a meaning or purpose

The tests did not produce any meaningful results.

b

: full of meaning : significant

a meaningful life

a meaningful relationship

2

: having an assigned function in a language system

meaningful propositions

meaningfully

ˈmē-niŋ-fə-lē 

adverb

meaningfulness noun

Synonyms of meaningful

• suggestive
• eloquent
• expressive
• revealing
• meaning

Examples of meaningful in a Sentence

The test did not produce any meaningful results.

She looked at him in a meaningful way.

He wanted to feel that his job was meaningful.

The trip turned out to be very meaningful for both of them.

Recent Examples on the Web

Given his natural dribbling ability and powerful strike on goal, meaningful attacking contributions should soon begin to surge. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

His daughter owns a jewelry company called Matilde Matilde developed a passion for jewelry after receiving a meaningful ring from her mother and bracelet from her grandmother. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

When intelligence is cheap and AI can produce functional code in minutes, a meaningful feature advantage can be matched by your competitor in weeks. — Gina Mastantuono, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Part of that effort must include the meaningful inclusion of Afghan women in international diplomacy. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl 

1

: having a meaning or purpose

meaningful work

2

: full of meaning : significant

a meaningful experience

meaningfully

-fə-lē 

adverb