1
a(1)
: something intervening or intermediate
(2)
: a middle point between extremes
b
: a value that lies within a range of values and is computed according to a prescribed law: such as
(1)
(2)
c
: either of the middle two terms of a proportion
2
means plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: something useful or helpful to a desired end
provided us with the means to get the job done
3
means plural
: resources available for disposal
especially
: material resources affording a secure life
see also:
Examples of mean in a Sentence
Take all these temperatures and calculate their mean.
trying to find a golden mean between doing too little and doing too much
Recent Examples on the Web
For many, the city after dark is a way of life and means of reinvention.
—
Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
For me, writing means trying to get close enough to each character to feel their heart beating, which challenges the first level, because human beings are much more complex and contradictory than sociological simplifications.
—Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
The conversation is scattered across the calendars for bonds, securitized credit, municipal debt, private credit and corporate cash, so following it through 2026 means showing up in separate rooms.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Others, particularly wealthier homeowners with the means to rebuild, would rather roll the dice.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for mean
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Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
For me, writing means trying to get close enough to each character to feel their heart beating, which challenges the first level, because human beings are much more complex and contradictory than sociological simplifications.
—Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
The conversation is scattered across the calendars for bonds, securitized credit, municipal debt, private credit and corporate cash, so following it through 2026 means showing up in separate rooms.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Others, particularly wealthier homeowners with the means to rebuild, would rather roll the dice.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for mean
Cite this Entry
“Mean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mean. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mean
1 of 4 adjective1
: lacking distinction or prominence : humble
2
: of poor, shabby, or inferior quality or status
lives in mean surroundings
3
: worthy of little regard : inferior
—often used in negative constructions as a term of praise
a person of no mean ability
4
: deliberately unkind
5
7
: causing trouble or bother
a mean horse
8
: excellent
plays a mean trumpet
meanly
adverb
meanness
noun
ˈmēn-nəs
mean
2 of 4 verb
meant
ˈment
; meaning
ˈmē-niŋ
mean
3 of 4 adjective1
: holding a middle position : intermediate
2
a
: lying about midway between extremes
b
: being the mean of a set of values : average
mean temperature
mean
4 of 4 noun1
: a middle point between extremes
2
a
: a value that represents a range of values
especially
: arithmetic mean
b
: either of the middle two terms of a proportion
3
plural
: something by which a desired result is achieved or furthered
means of production
use any means you can
4
plural
: wealth sense 1
a person of means
Etymology
Middle English mene, imene "held in common, inferior," from Old English gemǣne "held in common"
Old English mǣnan "to have in mind, intend"
Middle English mene "being in a middle position," from early French meiene (same meaning), from Latin medianus "being in the middle" — related to median entry 1
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
