1
2
: something meant or intended : aim
a mischievous meaning was apparent
3
: significant quality
especially
: implication of a hidden or special significance
a glance full of meaning
4
a
: the logical connotation of a word or phrase
b
: the logical denotation or extension of a word or phrase
somewhat old-fashioned
: conveying or intended to convey meaning : significant, meaningful
a meaning smile
When any mention was made of baronets either married or unmarried, of former lovers, of broken vows, or of second engagements, Miss Altifiorla would look with a meaning glance at her hostess.—Anthony Trollope
Ruby lifted her heavy-lidded eyes and sent him a meaning look.—Edna Ferber
meaningly
adverb
She said: "I am not a very plucky girl." She looked up at me and added meaningly: "And you know it. And you know why."
—Joseph Conrad
"I have come about a private matter," he said, looking meaningly at Betty, who got up and began to move toward the door.
—P. G. Wodehouse
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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