noun
    
    plural -ings
    
    the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc. [count]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    the idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc. [count]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc. [count]
    
    
    
    
    
    [noncount] the true purpose of something
    
    
    
    
    
    a quality that gives something real value and importance
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    the reason or explanation for something
    
    
    
    know the meaning of (something)
    
    to understand (something) because you have experienced it