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 series features a lot of internal rhymes and repetitions, often in place of more thoughtful or meaningful explorations of its core ideas. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026

Sikich said even one mountain lion coming into the Santa Monicas and breeding could make a meaningful impact. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Several commenters agreed that saving up money on their own makes a teen’s first car way more meaningful. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 4 Nov. 2026

The owners said the gesture was small but could have a meaningful impact by encouraging people to participate in elections. — Ashley Paul, CBS News, 4 Nov. 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