English Reference
verb · noun

misses

v. · n.
US /ˈmɪsəz/ UK /mˈɪsɪz/ miss·es

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    v.to fail to hit, catch, or reach something.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The striker frequently misses the goal from close range, which has led the manager to reconsider the starting lineup for the next match.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    v.to feel sad because someone you love is not there.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    Even after several years abroad, he still misses the quiet atmosphere of his hometown during the winter months.

    longs forpines
  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    v.to not go to an event or not see something.

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

    Simple

    He often misses the bus because he wakes up late.

    In context

    The professor rarely misses a lecture, so his absence today has caused a great deal of confusion among the students.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Formal

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

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

    Simple

    The two Misses Smith were invited to the garden party.

    In context

    The invitation was formally addressed to the Misses Thompson, as they were the only members of the family currently residing in the estate.

    ladiesyoung women
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate American EnglishTechnical

    n.a range of clothing sizes for women of average height.

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

    Simple

    This shop sells dresses in both petites and misses.

    In context

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

    standard sizes
    petitesplus sizes
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated