- 1[uncountable, countable] meaning (of something) the thing or idea that a sound, word, sign, etc. represents What's the meaning of this word? Words often have several meanings. “Honesty?” He doesn't know the meaning of the word!
of what someone says/does - 2[uncountable, countable] the things or ideas that someone wishes to communicate to you by what they say or do I don't quite get your meaning (= understand what you mean to say). What's the meaning of this? I explicitly told you not to leave the room.
- 3[uncountable] the real importance of a feeling or experience With Anna he learned the meaning of love. of book/painting
- 4[uncountable, countable] the ideas that a writer, artist, etc. wishes to communicate through a book, painting, etc. several layers of meaning There are, of course, deeper meanings in the poem. sense of purpose
- 5[uncountable] the quality or sense of purpose that makes you feel that your life is valuable Her life seemed to have lost all meaning. Having a child gave new meaning to their lives.
of sound/word/sign
Check pronunciation: meaning