English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
to walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion, like a duck
"The duck waddled across the yard."
to walk through water or another substance that impedes movement
"The children waded in the shallow river."
as noun: a crisp cake with a pattern of deep squares; as verb: to speak or write vaguely without making a clear decision
"He kept waffling instead of making a decision."
to move gently through the air, carried by a breeze
"The smell of fresh bread wafted through the kitchen."
to move or cause to move rapidly from side to side
"The dog wagged its tail happily."
payment for work or services, usually on a daily or weekly basis; also to engage in or carry on (a war, campaign, or struggle)
"The workers demanded a fair wage for their labor."
playfully humorous or mischievous
"His waggish remarks made everyone laugh."
a vehicle with four wheels used for carrying loads, often pulled by horses or a motor vehicle used for transporting goods or people
"The farmer loaded hay onto the wagon."
a homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, often a child
"The young waif wandered the streets in search of food."
a prolonged cry of pain, grief, or anger; to cry loudly
"The child's wail could be heard throughout the house."
the part of the human body between the ribs and the hips
"He tied a belt around his waist."
a decorative chain worn around the waist as jewelry or ornamentation
"The traditional waist chain complemented her ethnic outfit perfectly."
a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt and under a jacket
"He wore a black waistcoat with his suit."
to stay in one place or remain inactive until something happens
"I will wait for you at the bus stop."
a person whose job is to serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant or café
"The waiter brought the menu and took our order politely."
a woman who serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant or café
"The waitress took our order with a friendly smile."
to refrain from insisting on or enforcing something, especially a right or claim
"She decided to waive her right to a lawyer."
to stop sleeping; to become alert or conscious
"She had to wake early to catch the train."
awake and conscious; relating to the time when one is awake
"She spent her waking hours studying for the exam."
to move by putting one foot in front of the other
"She likes to walk in the park every morning."
the activity of moving on foot at a moderate pace
"Walking every morning is good for your health."
a fish that can move on land using its fins and breathe air for extended periods
"The walking-fish can travel across dry land to find new water sources."
a vertical structure that encloses or divides an area
"The wall in our living room is painted blue."
a small folding case for carrying money, credit cards, and identification
"He pulled out his wallet to pay for the coffee."
to roll about or indulge oneself in something excessively
"The buffalo likes to wallow in the mud on hot days."
an edible nut with a hard shell and a wrinkled appearance
"I love to eat walnuts with honey for breakfast."
beads made by Native Americans from shells, used as money or decoration
"The tribe traded furs for wampum."
looking pale or sickly; lacking color or vitality
"After the long illness, his face looked wan and tired."
to move around aimlessly or without a fixed course
"She loves to wander through the old streets of the city."
a person who travels aimlessly; someone who roams from place to place
"The wanderer explored different countries without a fixed destination."
A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
"Her wanderlust took her to every corner of the globe."
To decrease gradually in power, intensity, or size.
"The moon wanes after the full moon night."
To achieve something by clever or sometimes dishonest persuasion or trickery.
"He wangled a free ticket to the concert."
To desire to have or do something.
"I want a cup of coffee before the meeting."
Lacking or deficient in quality or quantity.
"His explanation was wanting in clarity."
Deliberate and unprovoked; reckless or cruel.
"The soldiers were accused of wanton destruction."
The quality of being reckless, cruel, or deliberately malicious.
"His wantonness shocked everyone at the gathering."
a state of conflict between different countries or groups
"The war caused great suffering to the people."
To sing or whistle with a quavering voice or with trills.
"The bird warbled a sweet tune in the morning."
A separate room in a hospital for patients; also a division of a city or a person under guardianship.
"She was admitted to the children's ward."
A large cupboard where clothes are stored; also the collection of clothes someone owns.
"Her wardrobe is full of colorful dresses."
a large building where goods are stored before being sold or distributed
"The company stores all its products in a big warehouse."
engagement in or the activities involved in war
"The country prepared for the possibility of total warfare."
Having an aggressive or militant nature; inclined to fight or engage in war.
"The tribe was known for its warlike traditions."
having a moderate degree of heat
"The warm sunlight made the room feel cozy."
the process of making something warm or the increase in temperature
"Global warming is a significant concern for environmentalists."
in a warm manner; with warmth; cordially; affectionately
"She welcomed the guests warmly at the door."
A person who advocates or promotes war or conflict.
"The leader was criticized as a warmonger by his opponents."
the quality or state of being warm in temperature or feeling
"She felt the warmth of the sun on her face."
to tell someone about a possible danger or problem
"She warned him about the storm coming."