1
2
: something meant or intended : aim
a mischievous meaning was apparent
3
: significant quality
especially
: implication of a hidden or special significance
a glance full of meaning
4
a
: the logical connotation of a word or phrase
b
: the logical denotation or extension of a word or phrase
somewhat old-fashioned
: conveying or intended to convey meaning : significant, meaningful
a meaning smile
When any mention was made of baronets either married or unmarried, of former lovers, of broken vows, or of second engagements, Miss Altifiorla would look with a meaning glance at her hostess.—
Anthony Trollope
Anthony TrollopeRuby lifted her heavy-lidded eyes and sent him a meaning look.—Edna Ferber
Edna Ferber
meaningly
adverb
She said: "I am not a very plucky girl." She looked up at me and added meaningly: "And you know it. And you know why."
—Joseph Conrad
Joseph Conrad
"I have come about a private matter," he said, looking meaningly at Betty, who got up and began to move toward the door.
—P. G. Wodehouse
P. G. Wodehouse
Synonyms
Examples of meaning in a Sentence
Noun
What is the precise meaning of this word in English?
an old word that has taken on a new meaning
The word has both literal meanings and figurative meanings.
a word with various shades of meaning
Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context.
I didn't understand the meaning of his remark.
Literary critics disagree about the meanings of his poems.
a poem with subtle shades of meaning
What is the meaning of life?
It's a story about the true meaning of Christmas.
Adjective
gave me a meaning look after I said that
Recent Examples on the Web
James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Creativity has also been found to give meaning, shape, and purpose to the tapestry of our daily lives.
—Mia Taylor, Parents, 13 Dec. 2024
On one tape, Jackson is heard explaining the meaning of the song Seven Digits, which refers to the identification number given to dead bodies in a morgue.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Yet perhaps the most uncomfortable outcome for the millions following along is if the meaning machine fails and the shooting doesn’t provide any greater resolution.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for meaning 
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Noun
Naturally, with Dudley's help, the bishop eventually rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas, a message that The Bishop's Wife ably passes along to its holiday audience.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Creativity has also been found to give meaning, shape, and purpose to the tapestry of our daily lives.
—Mia Taylor, Parents, 13 Dec. 2024
On one tape, Jackson is heard explaining the meaning of the song Seven Digits, which refers to the identification number given to dead bodies in a morgue.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Yet perhaps the most uncomfortable outcome for the millions following along is if the meaning machine fails and the shooting doesn’t provide any greater resolution.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for meaning
Dictionary Entries Near meaning
Cite this Entry
“Meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meaning. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
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