wave
wayv
Wave (noun) means a moving ridge on the surface of water, especially the sea. Example: “Big waves crashed against the rocks during the storm.”
noun
1
A moving ridge on the surface of water, especially the sea.
"Big waves crashed against the rocks during the storm."
"The children jumped over each small wave as it rolled up the beach."
"A huge wave lifted the little boat and tossed it forward."
2
A moving disturbance that carries energy, such as sound, light, or radio signals.
"Sound waves travel faster through water than through air."
"Radio waves carry the signal from the transmitter to your car."
"Light waves bend slightly as they pass through a glass of water."
3
A sudden but temporary surge or increase in something.
"A wave of applause swept through the crowd."
"They're bracing for a new wave of the virus this winter."
"After the advert aired, a wave of orders flooded into the small online shop."
verb
1
To move your hand back and forth, usually to greet someone or say goodbye.
"She waved to her friends across the street."
"Wave goodbye to Grandma before the train leaves the station."
"He waved from the window as the bus pulled away."
2
To move loosely back and forth, or to have an undulating shape.
"The flags waved gently in the breeze."
"Tall wheat waved in the field as the wind passed over it."
"Her long hair waves naturally when it dries without brushing."
How to use wave
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the moving ridges on water, a hand gesture, or a sudden surge of something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wave goodbye
crime wave
heat wave
sound wave
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Word forms
- Plural
- waves
- Third person singular
- waves
- Past tense
- waved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Big _____ crashed against the rocks during the storm.
Etymology
From Old English wafian ("to wave, to waver"), tracing back to a very old root meaning "to move to and fro."
Related words
Rhymes for wave
See all rhymes for wave →Frequently asked questions
What does “wave” mean?
The word “wave” means a moving ridge on the surface of water, especially the sea. In plain terms, either the moving ridges on water, a hand gesture, or a sudden surge of something.
How do you pronounce “wave”?
“Wave” is pronounced wayv (/weɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “wave” in a sentence?
Here is “wave” used in a sentence: “Big waves crashed against the rocks during the storm.”
What part of speech is “wave”?
Depending on how it is used, “wave” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wave” come from?
The word “wave” comes from Old English. From Old English wafian ("to wave, to waver"), tracing back to a very old root meaning "to move to and fro.".
Is “wave” a common word?
“Wave” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “wave” have?
“Wave” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a moving ridge on the surface of water, especially the sea.
What causes waves in the sea?
Most ocean waves are created by wind blowing across the water's surface, transferring energy that lifts the water into moving ridges. The stronger and longer the wind blows, and the greater the distance it covers, the bigger the waves. Larger waves like tsunamis are instead caused by earthquakes or underwater disturbances.
What is the difference between a wave and a tide?
A wave is a single moving ridge on the water's surface, usually driven by wind and arriving every few seconds. A tide is the slow, daily rise and fall of the whole sea, caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Waves are local and quick; tides are global and gradual.
What are the different types of ocean waves?
Common types include wind waves, raised by the breeze; swell, which are smooth waves that have travelled far from their source; and breakers, which curl and collapse near the shore. Tsunamis are a separate, far more powerful kind, triggered by earthquakes or landslides rather than wind.
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