means; meant
ˈmɛnt 
; meaning
; meaning
1
not used in progressive tenses
: to have (a particular meaning)
What does this word mean in English? = What is meant in English by this word?
The word meant one thing in Shakespeare's day, but it means something else now.
The abbreviation "U.S." means [=stands for] "United States."
Red means "stop" and green means "go."
Can you tell me what my dream means?
"Bonjour" is a French word meaning "hello." = "Bonjour" is a French word that means "hello."
2
not used in progressive tenses
: to want or intend to express (a particular idea or meaning)
I meant what I said. [=I was sincere when I said it]
What was meant by the poet?
Don't distort what she meant by taking her words out of context.
When she says the play was "interesting," she means (that) it wasn't very good.
He's very ambitious, and I mean that as a compliment.
It's a very easy question. Anyone, and I mean anyone, should be able to answer it.
You hold it like this. (Do you ) See what I mean? [=do you understand what I'm showing you?]
She's not getting any thinner, if you know/get what I mean.
"He can be a little difficult. (Do you ) Know what I mean?"
"He can be a little difficult." "What/How do you mean?" = "Meaning? " [=what exactly do you mean when you say that?]
"He can be a little difficult." "I know what you mean." [=I agree]
"He can be a little difficult." "What's that supposed to mean?" [=I am surprised that you would say that; I don't agree with what you are saying]
3
: to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal
Just what do you mean (by) coming into my room without knocking? [=what is your reason for coming into my room without knocking?]
She says she didn't mean anything by what she did.
She didn't mean (you) any harm. = She meant no harm (to you). [=she did not intend to cause any harm (to you)]
I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I meant (you) no offense/disrespect.
I don't trust him. He means no good.
—often followed by to + verbHe didn't mean [=intend] to do any harm.
She means to win.
I keep meaning to visit you—I just never seem to get around to it.
He says he never meant to hurt her.
4
not used in progressive tenses
a
: to plan for or want (someone or something) to do or to be something
—often + as
His comment was meant [=intended] as a joke.
—often followed by to + verbWe meant her to come with us.
She meant her remarks to be funny.
"What you said hurt his feelings!" "Well, I meant it to!"
(chiefly US)
—+ forWe meant for her to come with us.
b
: to want (something that you control, provide, or have made) to be used for a particular purpose or by a particular person
—often + for
I meant [=intended] the flowers for you, not for your sister.
The book was meant for children, but it is popular with adults too.
His criticism is meant for all of us.
—often followed by to + verbThey meant the book to be a present.
—sometimes + asThey meant the book as a present.
5
not used in progressive tenses
: to make a statement to or about (someone)
"Hey, you!" "I'm sorry: do you mean me?" [=are you talking to me?]
"Some people here are too bossy!" "Do you mean me?" [=are you referring to me?]
6
not used in progressive tenses
a
: to indicate or show (something that is going to happen)
Those clouds mean rain. = Those clouds mean (that) it's going to rain.
When he gets that angry look in his eyes, you know it means trouble. [=you know that there will be trouble]
b
: to cause or result in (something)
The bad weather could mean further delays.
c
: to involve or require (something) as a necessary part
Becoming a concert pianist means practicing a lot. [=if you're going to become a concert pianist you have to practice a lot]
I'll get the work done today even if it means staying late.
7
not used in progressive tenses
—used to say or ask how important something is to someone —usually + to
How much does your health mean to you? [=how important is your health to you?]
It means a lot to me to know that you believe me.
"I believe you." "Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me."
Your good opinion means a great deal to me.
He claims that money means nothing to him. [=that he does not care at all about money]
Her words meant nothing to me. [=I did not care what she said]
I thought our friendship meant something to you. [=I thought that you cared about our friendship]
His wife means everything to him. = His wife means the world to him. [=he loves his wife very much]
meaner; meanest
1
somewhat informal
a
: not kind to people : cruel or harsh
My boss is a mean and nasty old man who treats everyone badly.
the mean stepmother in the fairy tale
Why are you being so mean to me? [=why are you treating me so harshly?]
It was mean of them not to invite her to the party.
Someone played a mean trick on her.
He has a mean streak.
b
chiefly US
: very dangerous : vicious
a mean dog
2
3
old-fashioned + literary
: of poor quality or status
mean city streets
living in mean circumstances
4
chiefly US, informal
: excellent or impressive
He plays a mean trumpet. = He's a mean trumpet player. [=he plays the trumpet very well]
an athlete who describes himself as a lean, mean scoring machine
We wanted our business to be lean and mean. [=to be efficient and successful]
always used before a noun
: occurring exactly between the highest and lowest number : average
the mean temperature
plural means
1
: average entry 1 sense 1
Take all these temperatures and calculate/find their mean.
2
: a middle point between two things
trying to find a golden mean between doing too little and doing too much
Cite this Entry
“Mean.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mean. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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