ENGLISH
REFERENCE

misses

v. · n.
US //ˈmɪsəz// UK //mˈɪsɪz// miss·es
  1. 1 failing to hit or catch (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to fail to hit, catch, or reach something.

    the third-person singular present indicative of 'miss', meaning to fail to hit, reach, or make contact with a target.

    Example

    He always misses the ball when he tries to play tennis.

    Example

    The striker frequently misses the goal from close range, which has led the manager to reconsider the starting lineup for the next match.
  2. 2 feeling sad about absence (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to feel sad because someone you love is not there.

    the third-person singular present indicative of 'miss', expressing the emotional state of longing for an absent person or place.

    Example

    She misses her family a lot since she moved to London.

    Example

    Even after several years abroad, he still misses the quiet atmosphere of his hometown during the winter months.
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  1. 3 not attending or noticing (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to not go to an event or not see something.

    the third-person singular present indicative of 'miss', meaning to fail to attend, notice, or perceive something.

    Example

    He often misses the bus because he wakes up late.

    Example

    The professor rarely misses a lecture, so his absence today has caused a great deal of confusion among the students.
  2. 4 plural of the title Miss (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Formal

    the plural form of 'Miss', used for more than one young woman or girl.

    the plural form of the honorific 'Miss', used when addressing or referring to multiple unmarried women.

    Example

    The two Misses Smith were invited to the garden party.

    Example

    The invitation was formally addressed to the Misses Thompson, as they were the only members of the family currently residing in the estate.
  3. 5 clothing sizes (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Technical

    a range of clothing sizes for women of average height.

    a standard range of commercial clothing sizes designed for women of average height and proportions.

    Example

    This shop sells dresses in both petites and misses.

    Example

    The retailer decided to expand its misses department to accommodate a wider variety of seasonal styles for the average consumer.
    • standard sizes
    • petites
    • plus sizes

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