meaning

noun

mean·ing | \ ˈmē-niŋ

Essential Meaning of meaning

1 : the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc. What is the precise/exact meaning of this word in English? Many words have developed more than one meaning. [=sense] See More Examplesan old word that has taken on a new meaning The word has both literal meanings and figurative meanings. a word with various shades of meaningHide

2 : the idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc. Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context. Do you get my meaning? = (chiefly Brit) Do you take my meaning? [=do you understand what I'm telling you?] See More ExamplesI didn't understand the meaning of his remark/gesture. a glance full of meaning [=a meaningful glance]Hide

3 : the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc. Literary critics disagree about the meanings of his poems. a poem with subtle shades of meaning

Full Definition of meaning

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the thing one intends to convey especially by language : purport Do not mistake my meaning.

b : the thing that is conveyed especially by language : import Many words have more than one meaning.

2 : something meant or intended : aim a mischievous meaning was apparent

3 : significant quality especially : implication of a hidden or special significance a glance full of meaning

4a : the logical connotation of a word or phrase

b : the logical denotation or extension of a word or phrase

meaning

adjective

Definition of meaning (Entry 2 of 2)

somewhat old-fashioned

: conveying or intended to convey meaning : significant, meaningful a meaning smile When any mention was made of baronets either married or unmarried, of former lovers, of broken vows, or of second engagements, Miss Altifiorla would look with a meaning glance at her hostess.— Anthony Trollope Ruby lifted her heavy-lidded eyes and sent him a meaning look.— Edna Ferber

Other Words from meaning Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About meaning

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Other Words from meaning

Adjective

meaningly \ ˈmē-niŋ-lē

\ adverb

She said: "I am not a very plucky girl." She looked up at me and added meaningly: "And you know it. And you know why." — Joseph Conrad "I have come about a private matter," he said, looking meaningly at Betty, who got up and began to move toward the door. — P. G. Wodehouse

Synonyms & Antonyms for meaning

Synonyms: Noun

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

unexpressive

Examples of meaning in a Sentence

Noun What is the precise meaning of this word in English? an old word that has taken on a new meaning The word has both literal meanings and figurative meanings. a word with various shades of meaning Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context. I didn't understand the meaning of his remark. Literary critics disagree about the meanings of his poems. a poem with subtle shades of meaning What is the meaning of life? It's a story about the true meaning of Christmas.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Motorcycle sales accordingly went up, as people tried to reconnect with the true meaning of speed. — A-LIST, 24 Dec. 2017 As the story unfolds, the past catches up to the present and Mr. Sorkin keeps trying to invest Molly’s story with meaning, mostly through a little family psychodrama and some deeply unpersuasive feminism, including by casting her as a victim of men. — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2017 Each of these ornaments holds a special meaning to me about that person. — Debbie Arrington, sacbee, 22 Dec. 2017 The Boston Celtics added new meaning to stealing a win on the road. — For The Win, 19 Dec. 2017 Yet, each of you can rejoice in the beauty and true meaning of the season. — Columbia Flier, 12 Dec. 2017 In general, the nature or meaning of the information being delivered does not matter all that much, as long as some attention is being paid. — The Economist, 4 Nov. 2017 Unraveling the meaning of the mummies therefore has the potential to reveal some of the deepest mysteries of a mysterious people. — Jonathon Keats, Discover Magazine, 10 Nov. 2017 The teen's mother says understanding the meaning of just one word the boy said could have stopped this whole situation, reports CBS News' Jamie Yuccas. — CBS News, 21 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'meaning.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.