meme

[ meem ]

noun

1. 1. a cultural item that is transmitted by repetition and replication in a manner analogous to the biological transmission of genes.
   2. a cultural item in the form of an image, video, phrase, etc., that is spread via the internet and often altered in a creative or humorous way.

verb (used without object)

, memed, meme·ing or mem·ing.

1. to create and spread memes:

   He spends a lot of time memeing and sharing his videos with friends.

verb (used with object)

, memed, meme·ing or mem·ing.

1. to make the subject of a meme:

   cute cats that get memed.

meme

/ miːm /

noun

1. an idea or element of social behaviour passed on through generations in a culture, esp by imitation

Word History and Origins

Origin of meme¹

First recorded in 1976; coined by British evolutionary biologist C. Richard Dawkins (born 1941), shortening of Dawkins's original creation mimeme, which was based on Greek mī́mēma “imitation, copy; artistic representation,” but which Dawkins also wanted to look and sound like gene; mimesis ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of meme¹

C20: possibly from mimic , on the model of gene

Example Sentences

Indeed, Sun said in a statement that the Cattelan work “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.”

From New York Times

These are usually inspired by internet jokes or memes and are supported by online communities.

From BBC

Kirk, a millionaire known for his memes and college campus tours meant to “own the libs,” has credited McCoy for persuading him to meld his right-wing politics, nationalism and evangelical faith.

From Los Angeles Times

The website is filled with memes, digital art and photos of nature in your Discover timeline.

From Salon

Such chaos is bad for democracy, but it does inspire wickedly funny memes, hashtags, sketches and political satire.

From Los Angeles Times