memes

Noun

meme (plural memes)

1. (originally) Any unit of (originally cultural) information, such as a practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another in a comparable way to the transmission of genes.
   • Examples of memes are tunes, ideas, catch-phrases, clothes fashions, ways of making pots or of building arches.1976, Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene

   Synonyms:

   culturgen

2. (Internet) Media, usually humorous, which is copied and circulated online with slight adaptations, such as basic pictures, video templates, etc.
   • He posted a meme that went viral within a few hours on social media.
3. (Internet) A specific instance of a meme, such as an image macro or a video, often with humorous superimposed text.
   • This meme generator lets you make your own memes by adding a caption to existing images, or by uploading your own image.
4. (Internet, derogatory) Something which is deceptive; a trick, a ruse.
   • It's a meme degree, you know. Good luck getting a job from that.
5. (Internet, derogatory) Something not to be taken seriously; a joke.
   • It's a meme degree, you know. Good luck getting a job from that.
6. (Internet) A work produced and shared in response to a prompt or suggestion within an online group.
   • kink meme

See all 10 meanings of meme