Miau Meaning and Definition
Miau
Pronunciation
/ˈmiː.ɑʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A curious and affectionate sound made by a cat, typically indicating contentment or attention-seeking.
Examples
- The cat let out a soft miau as it curled up on my lap.
- Miaus are often heard as a sign of affection from a cat.
Synonyms
- Purr
Antonyms
- Growl
- Snarl
Etymology
The term “miau” is derived from the sound cats make, with origins tracing back to ancient languages such as Greek and Latin.
Usage Notes
In informal settings, “miau” can be used to describe a cat’s behavior, often in a playful or affectionate tone.
Cultural References
“Miau” has appeared in various forms of media, such as literature and music, to represent a cat’s vocalization.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Letting out a miau” can be used to describe a cat’s playful or attention-seeking behavior.
Related Words or Phrases
Sound, Meow, Purr, Growl
Collocations
cat, kitten, sound, behavior
Frequency of Use
“Miau” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but common in online communities and cat-related contexts.
Common Misspellings
Myau, Miao, Myow