miss1

Pronunciation: /mɪs/

Definition of miss

[with object]

1fail to hit, reach, or come into contact with (something aimed at):a laser-guided bomb had missed its target [no object]:he shot twice at the cashier, but missed both times
pass by without touching; chance not to hit:the plane narrowly missed the control tower
fail to catch (something thrown or dropped): Mandy missed the catch, and flung the ball back crossly [no object]:Callison tried for a catch and missed

2fail to notice, hear, or understand:the villa is impossible to miss—it’s right by the road these questions miss the point
fail to attend, participate in, or watch (something one is expected to do or habitually does):Teague looks certain to miss England’s match against Fiji
be too late to catch (a passenger vehicle or the post):we’ll miss the train if he doesn’t hurry
fail to see or have a meeting with (someone):‘Potter’s been here this morning?’ ‘You’ve just missed him.’
not be able to experience or fail to take advantage of (an opportunity or chance):don’t miss the chance to visit the breathtaking Dolomites [no object]:he failed to recover from a leg injury and missed out on a trip to Barcelona
avoid; escape:Christmas shoppers go out early to miss the crowds
(of a woman) fail to have (a monthly period): how many periods have you missed? [no object]:I think I’m pregnant—this is the second time I’ve missed

3 (miss someone/thing out) British fail to include someone or something; omit:I’m sure Guy will fill in any bits I missed out

4notice the loss or absence of:he’s rich—he won’t miss the money she slipped away when she thought she wouldn’t be missed
feel regret or sadness at no longer being able to enjoy the presence of:she misses all her old friends
feel regret or sadness at no longer being able to go to, do, or have:I still miss France and I wish I could go back

5 [no object] (of an engine or motor vehicle) undergo failure of ignition in one or more cylinders: the motor began missing and investigation found a cracked cylinder head

a failure to hit, catch, or reach something:the penalty miss cost us the game
an unsuccessful record or film:it is the public who decide whether a film is a hit or a miss

Phrases

give something a miss: British informal decide not to do or have something:we decided to give the popcorn a miss
miss a beat
miss the boat (or bus): informal be too slow to take advantage of an opportunity:people who’ve been holding off buying anything in case prices drop further could find they’ve missed the boat
a miss is as good as a mile: proverb the fact of failure or escape is not affected by the narrowness of the margin.
not miss a trick: informal never fail to take advantage of a situation: despite his great wealth, John didn’t miss a trick when it came to cutting costs

Old English missan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German missen

Definition of miss in the US English dictionary