wad
Wad (noun) means a thick, compact lump or bundle of something soft. Example: “He stuffed a wad of tissue into his pocket.”
How to use wad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA squashed-together lump or bundle, often of paper, cotton, or cash.
Word forms
wadded past tense, wads plural, wads plural, wads singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He stuffed a _____ of tissue into his pocket.
Etymology
Likely a shortening of Middle English "wadmal", a coarse woollen cloth, tracing back to Old Norse words for "cloth" and "measure".
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “wad” mean?
The word “wad” means a thick, compact lump or bundle of something soft. In plain terms, a squashed-together lump or bundle, often of paper, cotton, or cash.
How do you pronounce “wad”?
“Wad” is pronounced wod (/wɑd/ in IPA).
How do you use “wad” in a sentence?
Here is “wad” used in a sentence: “He stuffed a wad of tissue into his pocket.”
What part of speech is “wad”?
Depending on how it is used, “wad” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wad” come from?
The word “wad” comes from Middle English. Likely a shortening of Middle English "wadmal", a coarse woollen cloth, tracing back to Old Norse words for "cloth" and "measure".
How many meanings does “wad” have?
“Wad” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thick, compact lump or bundle of something soft.