1 wag | Definition of wag

wag

verb
\ ˈwag How to pronounce wag (audio) \
wagged; wagging

Definition of wag

 (Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to be in motion : stir
2 : to move to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions
3 : to move in chatter or gossip scandal caused tongues to wag
4 archaic : depart
5 : waddle

transitive verb

1 : to swing to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions : switch a dog wagging its tail specifically : to nod (the head) or shake (a finger) at (as in assent or mild reproof)
2 : to move (the tongue) animatedly in conversation

wag

noun (1)

Definition of wag (Entry 2 of 3)

: an act of wagging : shake

wag

noun (2)

Definition of wag (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : wit, joker
2 obsolete : a young man : chap

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Other Words from wag

Verb

wagger noun

Synonyms for wag

Synonyms: Verb

swish, switch, waggle

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Examples of wag in a Sentence

Verb

The dog wagged its tail. She wagged her finger at the children as she scolded them. He wagged his head back and forth. The dog's tail began to wag excitedly.
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First Known Use of wag

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1589, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for wag

Verb

Middle English waggen; akin to Middle High German wacken to totter, Old English wegan to move — more at way

Noun (2)

probably short for obsolete English waghalter gallows bird, from English wag entry 1 + halter

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More Definitions for wag

wag

verb

English Language Learners Definition of wag

: to move something from side to side repeatedly

wag

verb
\ ˈwag How to pronounce wag (audio) \
wagged; wagging

Kids Definition of wag

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: to swing to and fro or from side to side “No, no. …” The old man wagged his finger.— Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising

wag

noun

Kids Definition of wag (Entry 2 of 3)

: a movement back and forth or from side to side

wag

noun

Kids Definition of wag (Entry 3 of 3)

: a person full of jokes and humor

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More from Merriam-Webster on wag

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with wag

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wag

Spanish Central: Translation of wag

Nglish: Translation of wag for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of wag for Arabic Speakers