Meaning & Definition of word "Miss"

Miss

/mɪs/

noun:

  • 1. An instance of failing to hit, catch, or reach something.
    • Example: That was a close miss; the arrow barely missed the bullseye.
  • 2. A feeling of loss or absence.
    • Example: There was a deep miss in her heart after he left.

verb:

  • 1. To fail to hit, reach, or come into contact with something.
    • Example: She missed the target by several feet.
  • 2. To feel the absence of someone or something.
    • Example: I really miss my friends from college.
  • 3. To fail to notice, hear, or understand.
    • Example: I missed the important details of the meeting.
  • 4. To fail to attend or be present at.
    • Example: He's going to miss the concert because of work.

adjective:

  • 1. Used to address or refer to unmarried women.
    • Example: Miss Smith will be teaching the class today.

Etymology

Middle English 'missen', from Old French 'mistre', from Latin 'mittere' meaning 'to send'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

miss the boat:

to miss an opportunity.

miss a beat:

to fail to keep up or take notice.

miss the mark:

to fail to achieve a goal.

Related Words

mistake:

an error or fault.

loss:

the state of no longer having something or someone.

absence:

the state of being away.

Slang Meanings of miss

Meaning: to fail or mess up something.

Example Sentence: I really missed that exam; I should have studied more.

Meaning: to long for someone.

Example Sentence: I miss you so much, it feels empty without you here.