What does miaow mean?
A miaow is the high-pitched cry of a cat and, by extension, the sound of someone imitating a cat. As a noun it names the vocalization itself, as in “The cat let out a sleepy miaow”; as a verb it describes the act of making that sound, as in “The kitten miaowed from behind the sofa.” The word is chiefly associated with British English, while “meow” is the standard and more frequent form in American English and is also common in Britain. Miaow is informal but familiar rather than objectionable, and it often appears in descriptions of domestic cats, kittens, and comic vocalizations. Its distinctive spelling also helps convey the drawn-out, expressive quality of a cat’s cry. Although it is primarily a sound word, it can occasionally be used figuratively for a loud, complaining, or theatrical cry.
The high-pitched vocal sound made by a cat; also a cry resembling that sound.
"We heard a tiny miaow coming from beneath the bed."
Chiefly British and informal; “meow” is the usual American equivalent.
To make the characteristic sound of a cat; to cry like a cat.
"The cat miaowed until it was let inside."
Chiefly British and informal, though understood in American English.
Used when referring to multiple individual cat calls.
"The alley echoed with miaows throughout the night."
In British English, the cat says “miaow”—while American English more often hears “meow.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miaow come from?
Miaow is an imitative word: its sound was chosen to represent the call of a cat. Its precise early development is uncertain, but English has long used several parallel forms, including miaow and meow. The word is especially characteristic of British English, whereas meow became dominant in American usage.
Related word forms
How miaow is actually used
Miaow is informal and chiefly associated with British English. American speakers normally say “meow,” though both forms are understood in both varieties.
Easily confused with miaow
Miaow is chiefly a British form, whereas meow is the most common equivalent in American English and is also widely used in British English.