wage
wayj
Wage (noun) means Money paid to a worker, usually calculated by the hour. Example: “His hourly wage barely covers the rent.”
noun
1
Money paid to a worker, usually calculated by the hour.
"His hourly wage barely covers the rent."
"The company raised the minimum wage for all staff."
"Her weekly wage goes up when she works on Saturdays."
verb
1
To carry out or conduct, especially a war or campaign.
"The two countries waged war for over a decade."
"She waged a long campaign against the new housing development."
"Residents waged a fierce campaign to save the old library."
How to use wage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPay for work, or, as a verb, to actively carry out something like a war or campaign.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "salary" — a wage is usually hourly or daily pay, while a salary is a fixed annual amount.
Common pairings
minimum wage
wage war
hourly wage
living wage
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Word forms
- Plural
- wages
- Third person singular
- wages
- Past tense
- waged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His hourly _____ barely covers the rent.
Etymology
From Old French "gauge/guage", meaning a pledge or payment, ultimately from a Germanic word for "pledge" — the same root that gives us "wager" and "wed".
Related words
Rhymes for wage
See all rhymes for wage →Frequently asked questions
What does “wage” mean?
The word “wage” means money paid to a worker, usually calculated by the hour. In plain terms, pay for work, or, as a verb, to actively carry out something like a war or campaign.
How do you pronounce “wage”?
“Wage” is pronounced wayj (/weɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wage” in a sentence?
Here is “wage” used in a sentence: “His hourly wage barely covers the rent.”
What part of speech is “wage”?
Depending on how it is used, “wage” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wage” come from?
The word “wage” comes from Old French. From Old French "gauge/guage", meaning a pledge or payment, ultimately from a Germanic word for "pledge" — the same root that gives us "wager" and "wed".
Is “wage” a common word?
“Wage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “wage” have?
“Wage” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: money paid to a worker, usually calculated by the hour.
What is the difference between a wage and a salary?
A wage is usually paid by the hour, so your earnings rise and fall with the hours you work. A salary is a fixed yearly amount, paid in equal instalments regardless of exact hours. Manual and hourly jobs typically pay wages, while professional and office roles often pay a salary.
What is the difference between a wage and a wager?
Despite the similar spelling, these are unrelated. A wage is money you earn for working, typically paid by the hour. A wager is a bet, money you stake on an uncertain outcome, hoping to win more. One is guaranteed pay for labour; the other is a gamble you can lose.
What is a minimum wage?
A minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer is legally allowed to pay. Set by government, it aims to protect workers from unfairly low pay and ensure a basic standard of living. Rates vary by country and are often reviewed and raised over time to track living costs.
What is the difference between gross and net wages?
Gross wages are your total earnings before anything is taken out. Net wages, often called take-home pay, are what actually reaches you after deductions such as income tax, national insurance, and pension contributions. The gap between the two is why your payslip total looks higher than the amount in your account.
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