wag
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms 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.
How to use wag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.