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meme

noun

/miːm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of meme

A concept or idea that spreads rapidly through a culture or community, often expressed in the form of an image, video, or piece of text.
"The meme was widely shared on social media and became a viral sensation."

Detailed meaning of meme

Memes can be humorous, satirical, political, or cultural in nature and are usually created and spread through social media platforms. The term "meme" was first coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976 to describe the way cultural information is transmitted and evolved over time, much like genetic information in living organisms. Today, memes have become a ubiquitous part of internet culture, shaping and reflecting the attitudes and values of online communities.

Example sentences containing meme

1. The internet is filled with funny memes that make people laugh.
2. They shared a popular meme that went viral on social media.
3. Memes often reflect the current trends and humor of the internet.
4. They created a meme to express their thoughts on a trending topic.
5. The meme perfectly captured the absurdity of the situation.
6. They found comfort in relatable memes that expressed their experiences.

History and etymology of meme

The noun 'meme' has a relatively recent and fascinating etymology. It was coined by British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book 'The Selfish Gene.' Dawkins derived the term from the Greek word 'mimeme,' which means 'that which is imitated.' He used 'meme' to describe cultural ideas, behaviors, or practices that, like genes in biology, could be passed from one person to another through imitation and replication. The concept of a meme has since evolved to encompass a wide range of cultural phenomena, including internet memes, which are concepts or images that spread rapidly through online communities. The etymology of 'meme' underscores its fundamental idea of cultural replication and transmission, highlighting the role of imitation and sharing in the spread of ideas and concepts in human culture.

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Further usage examples of meme

1. Memes can convey complex ideas and emotions with just a few words and an image.
2. They spent hours scrolling through a meme-filled website, amused by the content.
3. The meme became a symbol of a cultural phenomenon.
4. They used a meme to illustrate a point in a lighthearted manner.
5. Memes have become a form of communication in the digital age.
6. The meme provided comic relief during a stressful time.
7. They shared a meme that resonated with their sense of humor.
8. Memes can quickly spread and become a shared experience across different communities.
9. They used a meme to poke fun at a popular stereotype.
10. The meme became an internet sensation, with millions of shares and likes.
11. They appreciated the creativity and wit behind cleverly designed memes.
12. Memes often reflect the collective consciousness and shared experiences of a generation.
13. They found solace in memes that made them feel understood and connected.
14. The meme captured a moment of pop culture and became an instant sensation.