Meet: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
July 28, 2025

1. Meet (verb): To come into the presence or company of someone by arrangement or chance.
2. Meet (verb): To fulfill or satisfy a condition, need, or expectation.
3. Meet (noun): An organized event where people gather for a specific purpose, such as a sports competition or a meeting.
4. Meet (adjective): Suitable, proper, or fitting in a given situation (archaic).

The word "meet" is versatile, functioning as a verb, noun, and adjective, with meanings ranging from personal interactions to fulfilling expectations or describing organized events. It is commonly used in everyday language and formal contexts alike. Explore its definitions, uses, and significance below.

"Meet" Definition: What Does "Meet" Mean?

The term "meet" encompasses a variety of meanings, reflecting its adaptability in different contexts. Below are its primary definitions.

Definition of "Meet": Coming Together

As a verb, "meet" commonly refers to the act of coming into contact with someone, whether through a planned encounter or by chance.

Definition of "Meet": Fulfillment or Satisfaction

"Meet" also means to fulfill a requirement, condition, or standard, often used in contexts such as goals, expectations, or needs.

Definition of "Meet": Organized Gathering

As a noun, "meet" describes an event where individuals convene for a specific activity, such as a sports meet or a business meeting.

Definition of "Meet": Proper or Fitting

In its archaic use as an adjective, "meet" denotes something appropriate or suitable for a particular context.

Parts of Speech

The word "meet" serves multiple functions across different parts of speech. As a verb, it describes actions such as encountering someone or fulfilling a requirement. As a noun, it refers to an event or gathering. While less common today, it can also function as an adjective, conveying a sense of propriety or suitability. This versatility allows "meet" to adapt seamlessly to various contexts, whether in casual conversations or formal writing.

How to Pronounce "Meet"?

Meet is pronounced as a single syllable with a long "e" sound. The pronunciation begins with the "m" sound made by pressing the lips together while allowing air to flow through the nose, followed by the long "e" sound as in "see," and ending with a light "t" sound made by touching the tongue to the ridge behind the upper front teeth and releasing a small puff of air. The pronunciation is identical to the word "meat," making them perfect homophones.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /miːt/

Synonyms of "Meet": Other Ways to Say "Meet"

Understanding synonyms for "meet" provides alternative ways to express similar ideas.

  • Encounter
  • Gather
  • Assemble
  • Convene
  • Fulfill
  • Satisfy
  • Accost
  • Converge

Antonyms of "Meet": Other Ways to Say "Meet"

Antonyms for "meet" offer contrasting concepts, useful in discussions of avoidance or failure to fulfill.

  • Avoid
  • Miss
  • Evade
  • Dodge
  • Ignore
  • Neglect
  • Fall short

Examples of "Meet" in a Sentence

Here are ten examples illustrating different uses of "meet":

1. They decided to meet at the café after work.
2. The project must meet all the client’s requirements to be approved.
3. We attended the track meet to cheer on our team.
4. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person after so many emails.
5. The new software update will meet the users' demands for faster performance.
6. The high school swim meet attracted competitors from across the state.
7. They unexpectedly met in the park after years apart.
8. The proposal didn’t meet the board’s expectations, so it was rejected.
9. The event was a chance for like-minded professionals to meet and network.
10. The ancient rule was to do what was meet and just in the eyes of the law.

Frequency of Use

The word "meet" is extraordinarily common in everyday English, ranking among the top 1,000 most frequently used English words. According to corpus data, it appears consistently across various genres of writing and speech, maintaining steady usage throughout the history of modern English. As a verb, it appears with particularly high frequency in business communications, social arrangements, and discussions of requirements or standards.

Variants of "Meet"

The word "meet" has several variants to adapt its use across contexts:

1. Meeting: A gathering of people for discussion or activity.
2. Met: Past tense and past participle of "meet."
3. Meets: Third-person singular present tense of "meet."

Related Terms to "Meet"

Exploring related terms enhances understanding of the broader concept of "meet."

1. Encounter
2. Rendezvous
3. Assembly
4. Gathering
5. Engagement
6. Introduction
7. Conference
8. Appointment
9. Reception
10. Convergence

Etymology: History and Origins of "Meet"

"Meet" originates from the Old English word "mētan," meaning "to find" or "to encounter." This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic "*motjanan," which also means "to meet" or "to encounter." The verb form has been in use since before the 12th century, maintaining its core meaning of coming together. The noun form, referring to organized events or competitions, emerged around 1804. The adjective form, meaning suitable or proper, dates back to the 14th century but has become archaic.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Meet"

Here are derivatives and compounds of "meet":

1. Meeting: A formal or informal assembly of people.
2. Met: The simple past tense of "meet."
3. Meet-up: An informal gathering, often arranged online.

Common Misspellings of "Meet"

Common misspellings of "meet" include:

1. Meat
2. Mete
3. Meete

10 Idioms Similar to "Meet"

Idioms similar to "meet" add figurative expressions to the concept.

1. Cross paths
2. Face to face
3. Run into
4. Touch base
5. Get together
6. In the same room
7. Shake hands
8. Come across
9. Keep in touch
10. Eyes meet

10 Common Questions About "Meet"

Here are answers to common questions about "meet":

1. What does "meet" mean?

"Meet" means to come into contact with someone or something, fulfill a requirement, or refer to an event or gathering.

2. What is the past tense of "meet"?

The past tense of "meet" is "met."

3. Can "meet" be used as a noun?

Yes, "meet" as a noun refers to an organized event, such as a track meet or a business meeting.

4. What is a "meet-up"?

A "meet-up" is an informal gathering, often planned via online platforms, for social or professional purposes.

5. How is "meet" used in business?

In business, "meet" often refers to meetings or fulfilling requirements and goals.

6. Can "meet" mean "appropriate"?

In archaic usage, "meet" as an adjective means appropriate or fitting.

7. What is the plural of "meet"?

The plural form of "meet" as a noun is "meets."

8. Is "meet" commonly used in sports?

Yes, "meet" is often used to describe athletic events or competitions.

9. How do you pronounce "meet"?

"Meet" is pronounced /miːt/, rhyming with "feet."

10. Can "meet" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "meet" is often used metaphorically, such as "meeting expectations" or "meeting challenges."

Conclusion

"Meet" refers to coming together, fulfilling conditions, or organized events, making it a versatile term across personal, professional, and formal contexts. Understanding its meanings enhances both written and spoken communication. Explore more word definitions to expand your linguistic repertoire.

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