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

This book reminds us that being a better leader means making data and information meaningful to the people who would benefit from knowing it. —Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

One of the most meaningful moments came when Joy welcomed a second daughter into the world. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026

For Colin Hortman, some of the most meaningful memories are the ordinary ones. —Derek James, CBS News, 14 June 2026

That being said, when a younger craft distillery is able to release a 10-year-old expression, that is a meaningful milestone. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 June 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