1 wonder | Definition of wonder

wonder

noun
won·​der | \ ˈwən-dər How to pronounce wonder (audio) \

Definition of wonder

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1a : a cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel it's a wonder you weren't killed the pyramid is a wonder to behold
b : miracle
2 : the quality of exciting amazed admiration
3a : rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience
b : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty

wonder

verb
wondered; wondering\ ˈwən-​d(ə-​)riŋ How to pronounce wondering (audio) \

Definition of wonder (Entry 2 of 4)

intransitive verb

1a : to be in a state of wonder
b : to feel surprise
2 : to feel curiosity or doubt wondering about the future

transitive verb

: to be curious or in doubt about wonders why birds sing

wonder

adjective

Definition of wonder (Entry 3 of 4)

: wondrous, wonderful: such as
a : exciting amazement or admiration wonder toys
b : effective or efficient far beyond anything previously known or anticipated a wonder fabric

Wonder

biographical name
Won·​der | \ ˈwən-dər How to pronounce Wonder (audio) \

Definition of Wonder (Entry 4 of 4)

Stevie 1950–     born Stevland Hardaway Judkins American singer, songwriter and instrumentalist

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Other Words from wonder

Verb

wonderer \ ˈwən-​dər-​ər How to pronounce wonderer (audio) \ noun

Examples of wonder in a Sentence

Noun

The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. This new computer is a technological wonder.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In observing Scorsese at work, Mekas, the hands-on diarist, reveals, with admiration and wonder, the most rarefied realm of industrial cinematic inspiration. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, "Review: Jonas Mekas’s Illuminating Documentary of Martin Scorsese on the Set of “The Departed”," 3 Sep. 2019 This year’s winner, a 16-pound wonder by Penn’s Hams in Taylor County, sold for a sizzling $1 million last week. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "Grand Champion Ham Sells for $1 Million at Kentucky State Fair," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wonder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of wonder

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for wonder

Noun

Middle English, from Old English wundor; akin to Old High German wuntar wonder

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