noun Uncommon

wat

Wat (noun) means a Buddhist temple complex, especially in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia. Example: “Tourists lined up outside the wat to see the golden Buddha statue.”

noun

A Buddhist temple complex, especially in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia.

"Tourists lined up outside the wat to see the golden Buddha statue."

A spicy Ethiopian or Eritrean stew, usually eaten with injera bread.

"The restaurant served a rich chicken wat with a side of injera."

How to use wat

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, or a spicy Ethiopian stew — two unrelated words that happen to look alike.

Word forms

wats plural

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Fill the gap

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Tourists lined up outside the _____ to see the golden Buddha statue.

Etymology

The "temple" sense is borrowed from Thai วัด (wát).

Rhymes for wat

twat swat

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Frequently asked questions

What does “wat” mean?

The word “wat” means a Buddhist temple complex, especially in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia. In plain terms, either a Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, or a spicy Ethiopian stew — two unrelated words that happen to look alike.

How do you pronounce “wat”?

“Wat” is pronounced wat (/wat/ in IPA).

How do you use “wat” in a sentence?

Here is “wat” used in a sentence: “Tourists lined up outside the wat to see the golden Buddha statue.”

What part of speech is “wat”?

“Wat” is a noun.

Is “wat” a common word?

“Wat” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “wat” have?

“Wat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Buddhist temple complex, especially in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia.