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miaow

C2
nounverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /miːˈaʊ/

US

  • /miːˈaʊ/

Description

"Miaow" is a way of writing the sound a cat makes. It is also often spelled "meow." People use the word when talking about a cat calling for food, asking for attention, greeting someone, or simply making its presence known.

The word copies the sound itself, so it is often used in stories, especially in books for children. Different cats can sound different, so one miaow may be soft and short while another may be loud, long, or a little rough.

Examples

  1. 1

    Animal sound

    We heard a faint miaow coming from behind the shed.

  2. 2

    Cat behavior

    The kitten miaowed at the door until Jake let it in.

  3. 3

    Child speech

    The toddler pointed at the picture of the cat and said, "Miaow!"

See also

nounthe characteristic crying sound made by a cat

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • a plaintive miaow
  • a soft miaow
  • the cat gave a miaow

Word family

  • miaowed
  • miaowing

Explore

  • cat vocalization
  • animal cry

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • miaownounverb