Definition

1. Noun:

   • The characteristic vocal sound made by a domestic cat: A short, high-pitched cry.
   • Any sound that resembles this feline cry: An imitation or representation of this sound.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To make the characteristic crying sound of a cat: To utter a meow.

Usage

• The word "meow" is an onomatopoeia, meaning the word itself imitates the sound it describes.
• As a noun, it typically refers to the sound itself.
• As a verb, it describes the action of a cat making that sound.

Examples

• Noun:

  • I heard a soft meow from under the porch.
  • The kitten's tiny meow was barely audible.

• Verb:

  • The cat will meow loudly when it's hungry.
  • My cat meowed at the door to be let in.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative/Descriptive Use: Sometimes used to describe a person speaking in a high-pitched, weak, or complaining manner.
  • "Don't meow at me about your problems," he said impatiently.

Variants and Related Words

• Meowing (n/adj): The act or sound of meowing; producing meows.
  • The constant meowing kept me awake.
• Meowed (v): The simple past tense and past participle of "meow".

Synonyms

• Noun: Mew, miaow, caterwaul (a louder, more unpleasant cry).
• Verb: Mew, miaow, caterwaul.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• The cat's meow (idiom, old-fashioned slang): Something or someone considered excellent or wonderful.
  • That new car is really the cat's meow.

Noun

1. the sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this)

Verb

1. cry like a cat
   • the cat meowed