Meow vs. Miaow — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
"Meow" is the standard American English spelling for the sound cats make, emphasizing simplicity and phonetic clarity, while "miaow" reflects the British English variant, showcasing pronunciation nuances.
Difference Between Meow and Miaow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Meow," prevalent in American English, is the onomatopoeic representation of a cat's vocalization. It's straightforward, mimicking the sound with a clear and concise spelling that resonates with the way it's pronounced in American dialects. On the other hand, "miaow," used in British English, includes an additional vowel, highlighting the nuanced pronunciation common in British dialects, which may perceive the sound as having a slightly prolonged or more complex tone.
The spelling "meow" is widely recognized in media, children's books, and internet culture, partly due to the global influence of American English. This has made "meow" somewhat universal, beyond just English speakers, as the default written form for a cat's call. Whereas "miaow" retains a distinctly British character, appearing more frequently in British publications and media, it serves as a reminder of the diversity within the English language, reflecting regional linguistic preferences.
In terms of phonetic representation, "meow" is often perceived as a simpler, more direct mimicry of the cat sound, potentially making it more accessible to non-native speakers or young readers. Meanwhile, "miaow" suggests a more detailed auditory experience, possibly capturing the sound's beginning more distinctly, which some might argue adds depth to its onomatopoeic quality.
Both "meow" and "miaow" are used in literature and conversation to imitate or describe the sound made by cats. However, the choice between them can signal the author's or speaker's linguistic background or the intended audience's dialect. This distinction is not just about spelling but also about aligning with cultural and linguistic identities.
Despite the differences in spelling, both "meow" and "miaow" fulfill the same function in language: to phonetically transcribe the cat's call. The variation underscores the richness of English, showcasing how even the simple sounds of animals are subject to the fascinating nuances of human language and regional differences.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Variant
American English
British English
Pronunciation
Simplified, direct
May suggest a nuanced, prolonged sound
Usage in Media
Dominant in global and American media
Common in British publications and media
Linguistic Preference
Reflects American phonetic simplicity
Reflects British pronunciation nuances
Cultural Identity
Aligns with American English conventions
Aligns with British English conventions
Compare with Definitions
Meow
The sound a cat makes.
The cat's meow could be heard every night.
Miaow
The British English spelling for the sound made by cats.
His miaow was soft but insistent in the early morning.
Meow
Onomatopoeic representation in American English.
Children learn to spell the cat's sound as meow.
Miaow
Indicates a more nuanced cat vocalization.
The subtle miaow was lost amid the noise.
Meow
Used to signify cat-like qualities or behaviors.
Her meow was perfect during the play.
Miaow
Found in descriptions of cat-related actions in British contexts.
The detective's clue was the soft miaow behind the door.
Meow
A term used in pop culture to mimic a cat.
The catchphrase Just meow it became popular online.
Miaow
Reflects the auditory experience of a cat's call in British dialects.
The miaow sounded different to American ears.
Meow
Expressive of desire or demand in the context of cats.
The persistent meow at the door indicated hunger.
Miaow
Used in British literature to depict cat sounds.
The book described the stray's miaow as melancholic.
Meow
Said in reply to a spiteful or catty comment.
Miaow
Alternative spelling of meow
Meow
The cry of a cat.
Miaow
Alternative spelling of meow
Meow
A meow is a vocalization of cats. They might have diverse tones and are sometimes chattered, murmured or whispered.
Miaow
The sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this)
Meow
The cry of a cat.
Miaow
Make a cat-like sound
Meow
(Informal) A malicious, spiteful comment.
Meow
To make the crying sound of a cat.
Meow
The cry of a cat.
Meow
Said to denote seductiveness, mimicking a growl.
Meow
The drug mephedrone.
Meow
(intransitive) Of a cat, to make its cry.
Meow
See 6th and 7th Mew.
Meow
The sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this)
Meow
Cry like a cat;
The cat meowed
Common Curiosities
Is "meow" understood in British English?
Yes, "meow" is understood in British English, although "miaow" is the preferred spelling.
Are there other spellings besides "meow" and "miaow"?
These are the primary spellings in English, but variations might exist in other languages or dialects based on phonetic interpretations.
Can I use "miaow" in American English?
While "miaow" can be used and understood in American English contexts, "meow" is the conventional spelling.
Do cats actually say "meow" or "miaow"?
Cats produce a sound that humans interpret and transcribe as "meow" or "miaow" depending on linguistic conventions, not the cat's actual vocalization.
How do children learn to spell animal sounds?
Children often learn through reading and educational materials, which may favor one spelling based on the country.
How do writers choose which spelling to use?
Writers typically choose based on their audience's dialect or the setting of their work.
Can "meow" or "miaow" be verbs?
Yes, both can be used as verbs to describe the act of a cat making its characteristic sound.
Why are there two spellings for the cat sound?
The two spellings reflect the differences in American and British English, capturing slight variations in pronunciation and linguistic preference.
Does the spelling difference affect how the sound is perceived?
The spelling might subtly influence perception, with "miaow" potentially indicating a more nuanced sound, though this is subjective.
Are there other words affected by similar regional spelling differences?
Yes, many words have different spellings in American and British English, reflecting broader linguistic divergences.
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
Neither is more correct; the choice depends on regional linguistic preferences.
Do cats respond differently to "meow" vs. "miaow"?
Cats respond more to tone and familiarity than to the specific spelling of sounds.
Does the internet have a preferred spelling?
"Meow" is more prevalent online, influenced by the dominance of American English in digital spaces.
Are there cultural differences in how the cat's sound is perceived?
Yes, cultural and linguistic backgrounds can influence how individuals perceive and represent animal sounds.
Is "meow" or "miaow" used in professional veterinary contexts?
Both may be used, but professionals often choose the spelling that aligns with the standard conventions of their region.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
