Rabbi Meir was one of the greatest Tannaim of the fourth generation, in the 2nd century, and one of the leading disciples of Rabbi Akiva. According to the Talmud (Eruvin 13b), he was called Meir because he "enlightened the eyes of the Sages in halachah"; his original name is given as Measha or Nehorai. The Talmud (Gittin 56a) traces his descent to the Roman emperor Nero, who is said to have converted to Judaism. His wife was Bruriah, daughter of Rabbi Chanina ben Teradyon, herself known for her learning.

He studied under Rabbi Akiva, then under Rabbi Yishmael, and returned to Rabbi Akiva; he also learned from Elisha ben Avuyah. Ordained by Rabbi Akiva while still young, he was ordained again by Rabbi Yehudah ben Bava. A scribe by profession, he copied Torah scrolls, and the Talmud relates that he once wrote out the entire Book of Esther from memory.

After the Bar Kochba revolt he was among the Sages who re-established the Sanhedrin in Usha, where he held the office of Chacham. Every Friday night he preached in the synagogue of Chamat, dividing his sermons between halachah, aggadah and parables; the Mishnah says that when he died, "the tellers of parables ceased." His contribution to the Mishnah is fundamental: Rabbi Yochanan established the rule that an anonymous mishnah follows Rabbi Meir, who received it from Rabbi Akiva. He is the second most frequently cited sage in the Mishnah.

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 18a) relates that he freed his sister-in-law, held by the Romans in a brothel, by promising the guard he would be saved if he said, "God of Meir, answer me!" From this story grew the custom of giving charity to the poor of the Land of Israel in honor of "Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess," a name attested from the 18th century; several charity funds bear it, including the one founded by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in 1788.

According to the Jerusalem Talmud, he died in Assiya, outside the Land of Israel, and asked that his coffin be placed on the seashore. Since at least the 13th century, a tomb of "Rabbi Meir" has been venerated near Tiberias, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee; its identification with the Tanna is debated, but most pilgrims regard it as his. His hillula is held there on 14 Iyar, Pesach Sheni.