noun

wattle

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Wattle (noun) means a structure of woven branches and twigs used to make a wall, fence, or roof. Example: “They built the shed's walls from wattle woven between wooden posts.”

noun

A structure of woven branches and twigs used to make a wall, fence, or roof.

"They built the shed's walls from wattle woven between wooden posts."

"The old cottage was made with wattle and daub."

"Farmers once used wattle fencing to pen in livestock."

A fleshy, often brightly coloured fold of skin hanging from the neck of a bird such as a turkey or chicken.

"The turkey's red wattle wobbled as it strutted across the yard."

"A rooster's wattle hangs down below its beak."

"The lizard flared its wattle to warn off a rival."

Any of several Australian acacia trees or shrubs, widely regarded as a national emblem.

"Golden wattle blooms bright yellow every spring in Australia."

"Tanners once used wattle bark to treat leather."

"Wattle grows widely across the Australian bush."

How to use wattle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWattle can mean woven branches used for building, the fleshy flap on a bird's neck, or an Australian acacia tree.

When to use it

The word covers several unrelated meanings, so context decides which one is meant.

Memory tip

Don't confuse wattle with waddle, the walking motion — they sound alike but are unrelated words.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

waddle →

Common pairings

wattle and daub turkey's wattle golden wattle wattle fence

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “wattle” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They built the shed's walls from _____ woven between wooden posts.

Etymology

Wattle comes from the Old English word watel, meaning a woven hurdle, which traces back to an ancient root meaning to turn or bend.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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lappet

Related words

flap lappet

Rhymes for wattle

cattle battle rattle tattle prattle Seattle

See all rhymes for wattle →

Frequently asked questions

What does wattle mean?

It can mean woven branches used in building, the fleshy skin flap on a bird's neck, or a type of Australian acacia tree.

What is a wattle on a bird?

It is the fleshy fold of skin that hangs from the neck of birds such as chickens and turkeys.

Is wattle a type of tree?

Yes, it refers to several Australian acacia trees and shrubs, seen as a national emblem there.

What is the meaning of wattle?

"wattle" (noun) means a structure of woven branches and twigs used to make a wall, fence, or roof.

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