verb
C2
Proficient
wallow
WO-loh
Wallow (verb) means to roll around in mud, water, or something similarly messy. Example: “The pigs wallowed happily in the mud.”
verb
1
To roll around in mud, water, or something similarly messy.
"The pigs wallowed happily in the mud."
2
To indulge excessively in an emotion or situation, especially self-pity.
"He spent the weekend wallowing in self-pity after the breakup."
noun
1
A muddy pool where animals go to wallow.
"Elephants gathered at the wallow to cool off."
How to use wallow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo roll around in mud, or to dwell too long in a negative feeling.
Common mistake
Usually carries a negative or self-indulgent tone when used about emotions — "wallowing in grief" implies staying stuck rather than moving through it.
Common pairings
wallow in self-pity
wallow in mud
wallow in misery
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Word forms
- Plural
- wallows
- Third person singular
- wallows
- Past tense
- wallowed
- Comparative
- more wallow
- Superlative
- most wallow
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pigs _____ happily in the mud.
Etymology
From Old English wealwian, meaning "to roll," related to Latin volvere, also meaning "to roll" (as in "revolve").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for wallow
See all rhymes for wallow →Frequently asked questions
What does “wallow” mean?
The word “wallow” means to roll around in mud, water, or something similarly messy. In plain terms, to roll around in mud, or to dwell too long in a negative feeling.
How do you pronounce “wallow”?
“Wallow” is pronounced WO-loh (/ˈwɒ.ləʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wallow” in a sentence?
Here is “wallow” used in a sentence: “The pigs wallowed happily in the mud.”
What part of speech is “wallow”?
Depending on how it is used, “wallow” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “wallow” come from?
The word “wallow” comes from Latin. From Old English wealwian, meaning "to roll," related to Latin volvere, also meaning "to roll" (as in "revolve").
How many meanings does “wallow” have?
“Wallow” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to roll around in mud, water, or something similarly messy.
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