wag
4 synonyms for wag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To swing repeatedly from side to side.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To swing repeatedly from side to side.
“The dog wagged its tail excitedly when its owner came home.”
How to use wag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wag its tail
tongues wag
office wag
Etymology
From Old English "wagian" (to shake or wave), reinforced by a similar Old Norse word — both from an ancient Germanic root meaning "to move".
Full origin of wag →Frequently asked questions
What does “wag” mean?
The word “wag” means to swing repeatedly from side to side. In plain terms, to swing back and forth (like a tail), or, as a noun, a joker — or, informally, a footballer's partner.
How do you pronounce “wag”?
“Wag” is pronounced wag (/wæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wag” in a sentence?
Here is “wag” used in a sentence: “The dog wagged its tail excitedly when its owner came home.”
What part of speech is “wag”?
Depending on how it is used, “wag” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “wag” come from?
The word “wag” comes from Old English. From Old English "wagian" (to shake or wave), reinforced by a similar Old Norse word — both from an ancient Germanic root meaning "to move".
How many meanings does “wag” have?
“Wag” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to swing repeatedly from side to side.
