meow

American  

[mee-ou, myou] / miˈaʊ, myaʊ /

Sometimes miaou,

noun

1. the characteristic sound a cat makes.

2. a spiteful or catty remark.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make the sound of a cat.

2. to make a spiteful or catty remark.

meow British  

/ mjaʊl, mjaʊ, mɪˈaʊl, mɪˈaʊ /

verb

1. (intr) (of a cat) to make a characteristic crying sound

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interjection

1. an imitation of this sound

Etymology

Origin of meow

First recorded in 1870–75; imitative

Example Sentences

In the more upmarket north of Tehran, many residents appeared to have left, with the meowing of cats and birdsong replacing the usual din of traffic jams.

From Barron's

The low frequency portion of the whinny comes from vocal fold vibration, much like a person singing or a cat meowing.

From Science Daily

I’m about to suggest a new game when the cat clock in the kitchen starts meowing.

From Literature

A domestic cat's purr reveals much more about its individual identity than its meow.

From Science Daily

He lets out a long meow, and then settles in, right against my thigh.

From Literature