Waterloo
Waterloo (noun) means a decisive, final defeat, especially after a long run of success — from the phrase "meet one's Waterloo.". Example: “The champion finally met his Waterloo in the final round.”
How to use Waterloo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA final, crushing defeat that ends someone's winning streak.
Almost always used in the fixed phrase "meet one's Waterloo," referring to the battle, not the place name itself.
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Waterloos plural
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The champion finally met his _____ in the final round.
Etymology
From the Battle of Waterloo (1815) in Belgium, where Napoleon Bonaparte suffered his final, crushing defeat — his once-unstoppable career ended in a single battle.
Rhymes for Waterloo
See all rhymes for Waterloo →Frequently asked questions
What does “Waterloo” mean?
The word “Waterloo” means a decisive, final defeat, especially after a long run of success — from the phrase "meet one's Waterloo.". In plain terms, a final, crushing defeat that ends someone's winning streak.
How do you pronounce “Waterloo”?
“Waterloo” is pronounced waw-tuh-LOO (/ˌwɔtɚˈluː/ in IPA).
How do you use “Waterloo” in a sentence?
Here is “Waterloo” used in a sentence: “The champion finally met his Waterloo in the final round.”
What part of speech is “Waterloo”?
“Waterloo” is a noun.
Where does the word “Waterloo” come from?
The word “Waterloo” dates back to around 1815. From the Battle of Waterloo (1815) in Belgium, where Napoleon Bonaparte suffered his final, crushing defeat — his once-unstoppable career ended in a single battle.
Is “Waterloo” a common word?
“Waterloo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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