\ ˈmēk How to pronounce meek (audio) \

Definition of meek

1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : mild a meek child dominated by his brothers
2 : deficient in spirit and courage : submissive "I don't care," came the meek reply— Annetta Miller
3 : not violent or strong : moderate his delivery varied from a meek, melodic patter to rapid-fire scriptural allusions— Bob Trebilcock

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Other Words from meek

meekly adverb

Examples of meek in a Sentence

a meek child dominated by his brothers She may seem meek and mild but it is all an act.
Recent Examples on the Web The mighty Wolverines were meek in the face of IU’s defensive front, mustering only 13 rushing yards, which was beyond meaningful to the victory but also the linemen involved. Jon Blau, The Indianapolis Star, "IU football's defensive line anchor to swarming defense," 12 Nov. 2020 Less than two weeks before an election that, according to early signs, could break voter turnout records, SNL’s political fare last night was strikingly meek. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "What Adele Was Doing on Saturday Night Live," 25 Oct. 2020 The offensive shortcomings were particularly glaring the past two years: Just seven runs for the bomba squad in a three-game sweep by the Yankees in 2019 and a measly two runs in a meek exit at the hands of the Astros last week. Michael Rand, Star Tribune, "To break their playoff streak, Twins must reinvent their offense," 6 Oct. 2020 No one can watch Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and the rest of the U.S. women’s team and think women are meek or delicate. USA Today, "We’re serving as a catalyst for women in the workplace, for women in sport.," 13 Aug. 2020 Walking the cautious, insular, and meek route has been the biggest guarantor of our livelihoods. Connie Wang, refinery29.com, "The Disaster Mindset Helped Asian-Americans Survive. But It’s A Losing Strategy," 1 June 2020 Although high inflation seemed a fixture of the economic landscape in the 1970s, changes to policy and the structure of the global economy since have ushered in four decades of ever meeker growth in prices. The Economist, "Free exchange Covid-19 could lead to the return of inflation—eventually," 18 Apr. 2020 After dropping Game 1, Houston responded with season-on-the-line desperation, and Golden State’s meek response amounted to a solo show from Kevin Durant. Ben Golliver, SI.com, "Stephen Curry's Rare Shooting Slump Leaves the Warriors Looking Mortal," 17 May 2018 Nothing that ought to have been understood about that war could have been gleaned from the tone and the disposition of the arguers alone—there were meek voices and furious partisans, civil conversationalists and rude wits on both sides. Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, "The Enemies of the Truth," 27 Jan. 2020

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

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First Known Use of meek

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for meek

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse mjūkr gentle; akin to Welsh esmwyth soft

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Time Traveler for meek

Time Traveler

The first known use of meek was in the 13th century

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Statistics for meek

Last Updated

15 Nov 2020

Cite this Entry

“Meek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meek. Accessed 5 Dec. 2020.

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More Definitions for meek

How to pronounce meek (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of meek

: having or showing a quiet and gentle nature : not wanting to fight or argue with other people
\ ˈmēk How to pronounce meek (audio) \
meeker; meekest

Kids Definition of meek

: having or showing a quiet, gentle, and humble nature a meek child a meek reply

Other Words from meek

meekly adverb
meekness noun

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Comments on meek

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