meek

adjective

ˈmēk 

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

meekly adverb

Synonyms

• demure
• down-to-earth
• humble
• lowly
• modest
• unassuming
• unpretentious

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

Jung-sook is the meekest of the lot and has the most to learn about standing up for herself, yet each of the women stand to gain something from the endeavor. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

The response from economists has tended to be either meek defenses of trade or outright silence, with some even criticizing parts of the TPP. —Douglas A. Irwin, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2016

But a meek surrender in West London saw the opportunity pass them by. —Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024

Sweeney plays against type as a meek, dowdy wife fighting to find her voice. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

meek

adjective

ˈmēk 

1

: putting up with wrongs patiently and without complaint : mild

2

: lacking spirit or self-assurance : humble

meekly adverb

meekness noun