Definition of meaning
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 phraseb : the logical denotation or extension of a word or phrase
meaning
adjectiveExplore M-W
Examples of meaning in a Sentence
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 of meaning from the Web
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Some of the tables have a special meaning at the restaurant.
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The term became a top trending item on Twitter, with many users supplying tongue-in-cheek meanings.
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Some criticized the post as being insensitive to the true meaning of the holiday.
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In this op-ed, writer Keely Quinlan explores the meaning of Memorial Day as a young person whose parent died in service.
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Arielle Small of Deerfield, who will go to American University in Washington after a gap year in Argentina, grasped the meaning of both of Frank's thoughts.
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That gave blocks symbolic meaning as much as competitive utility.
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During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning and inspiration in acts of charity and meditation that strengthen our communities.
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This was language as Impressionist paint daub; not a signifier of meaning but a blurry, mood-inducing gesture.
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.
14th Century
First Known Use of meaning
14th century
MEANING Defined for English Language Learners
meaning
playDefinition of meaning for English Language Learners
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: the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc.
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: the idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc.
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: the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc.
MEANING Defined for Kids
meaning
playDefinition of meaning for Students
1 : the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, or statement
2 : the idea a person intends to express by something said or done What is the meaning of this behavior?
3 : the reason or explanation for something … Father Wolf taught him … the meaning of things in the jungle … — Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book
4 : the quality of communicating something or of being important He gave me a look full of meaning.
Learn More about meaning
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See words that rhyme with meaning Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for meaning Spanish Central: Translation of meaning Nglish: Translation of meaning for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of meaning for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meaning
Seen and Heard
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