meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl How to pronounce meaningful (audio)
1
a
: having a meaning or purpose
The tests did not produce any meaningful results.
b
: full of meaning : significant
a meaningful life
a meaningful relationship
2
: having an assigned function in a language system
meaningful propositions
meaningfully adverb
meaningfulness noun

Examples of meaningful in a Sentence

The test did not produce any meaningful results. She looked at him in a meaningful way. He wanted to feel that his job was meaningful. The trip turned out to be very meaningful for both of them.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Applied Learning Cycle provides a roadmap for how meaningful goals, practice, feedback and reflection accelerate our ability to learn, adjust and evolve for ongoing success. Tony Gambill, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Shop the Vogue Vintage Market to own a piece of fashion history while making a meaningful impact—because the only thing more timeless than vintage is a piece with a story worth telling. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025 And yet, that makes a meaningful relationship all but impossible in their line of work. Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025 Having my three-decade acting career acknowledged is deeply meaningful and inspires me to keep going. Sara Merican, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meaningful

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of meaningful was in 1852

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Cite this Entry

“Meaningful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meaningful. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

meaningful

adjective
mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl How to pronounce meaningful (audio)
1
: having a meaning or purpose
meaningful work
2
: full of meaning : significant
a meaningful experience
meaningfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on meaningful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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