noun
Uncommon
wedge
wehj
Wedge (noun) means a piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart. Example: “He hammered a wedge into the log to split it in two.”
noun
1
A piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart.
"He hammered a wedge into the log to split it in two."
"A doorstop is really just a wedge that keeps a door from swinging shut."
2
A piece of food or other material cut into this triangular shape.
"She served a wedge of lemon with the fish."
3
Something that creates a division or growing gap between people or things.
"The controversial policy drove a wedge between the two allies."
verb
1
To force something tightly into a narrow space.
"He wedged a folded napkin under the wobbly table leg."
How to use wedge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tapered object used for splitting or jamming things apart, or figuratively something that drives two sides apart.
Common pairings
a wedge of cheese
drive a wedge between
wedge open
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Word forms
- Plural
- wedges
- Third person singular
- wedges
- Past tense
- wedged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He hammered a _____ into the log to split it in two.
Etymology
From Old English weċġ ("wedge"), from a Proto-Germanic root for the same shape of tool.
Related words
Rhymes for wedge
See all rhymes for wedge →Frequently asked questions
What does “wedge” mean?
The word “wedge” means a piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart. In plain terms, a tapered object used for splitting or jamming things apart, or figuratively something that drives two sides apart.
How do you pronounce “wedge”?
“Wedge” is pronounced wehj (/wɛd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wedge” in a sentence?
Here is “wedge” used in a sentence: “He hammered a wedge into the log to split it in two.”
What is another word for “wedge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wedge” include turned v.
What part of speech is “wedge”?
Depending on how it is used, “wedge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wedge” come from?
The word “wedge” comes from Old English. From Old English weċġ ("wedge"), from a Proto-Germanic root for the same shape of tool.
Is “wedge” a common word?
“Wedge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wedge” have?
“Wedge” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart.
What is the difference between a wedge and a chock?
A wedge is a piece of material, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge, used to split, tighten, or lever things apart. A chock is a similar tapered block, but it is specifically used to prevent something like a wheel from moving, making it a narrower use case within the broader idea of a wedge.
What does it mean to describe something as a wedge between people?
Used figuratively, a wedge is something that creates a division or growing gap between people or things, as in "the disagreement drove a wedge between the friends." This sense extends the physical idea of splitting apart to relationships or groups.
Can wedge be used as a verb?
Yes, to wedge means to force something tightly into a narrow space, as in "she wedged the door open with a book." This verb use draws directly on the tapering shape of a physical wedge.
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