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means

SayMEENZ/minz/UK/miːnz/

Noun pluralmeans

4 meanings of means

Practice

  1. 1
    stands forverb
    Third-person singular simple present of mean. Use this form when the subject is he, she, or it.

    A red light means you must stop before the crossing.

    Her long silence means she is still upset with him.

    UsageAfter does, use mean: what does it mean? (not incorrect: what does it means)

    Note
  2. 2
    methodnouncountable
    A way or method that someone uses to reach a goal.

    Like a key that opens a door: it is the way you get what you want.

    We needed a quick means of warning everyone about the storm.

    A bicycle was her only means of getting to work each day.

    UsageSay a means even for one (not incorrect: a mean): a means of getting to work.

    Similarmethod, way, instrument, mode, avenue

    Oppositeend

    Note
  3. 3
    wealthnoununcountableplural
    The money and other wealth a person has. A person of means is rich.

    Like the money in your wallet that decides what you can buy.

    A family of modest means rarely ate at expensive restaurants.

    She finally had the means to buy a home of her own.

    UsageOften in live within your means: spend only the money you have.

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    averagesnoun
    Plural of mean. Use this when talking about more than one average.

    The two means were almost identical after the second test.

    The teacher asked us to compare the means of both classes.

    UsageOne average is a mean; two or more are means: the means were close.

    Note

means is a form of mean

mean, verb: To have a certain sense, or to show that something is true or will happen. Full entry

Forms
meanmeans he/she/itmeaning -ing formmeant past tense, past participle
Spelling
mean → means: add -s

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of means apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From the word "mean," meaning a method or way used to get a result.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

  • The noun "means" comes from "mean," meaning a method or way used to achieve a result. en.wiktionary.org