wile
Wile (noun) means a crafty trick used to deceive or persuade someone. Example: “She used her wiles to talk her way past security.”
How to use wile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sly trick or the act of using cunning charm to get what you want.
Almost always seen in the plural "wiles" (as in "feminine wiles"); the singular is rare.
Word forms
wiled past tense, wiles plural, wiles singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She used her _____ to talk her way past security.
Etymology
From Middle English wile, related to Old English wīl ("trick") — a doublet of the word "guile."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for wile
See all rhymes for wile →Frequently asked questions
What does “wile” mean?
The word “wile” means a crafty trick used to deceive or persuade someone. In plain terms, a sly trick or the act of using cunning charm to get what you want.
How do you pronounce “wile”?
“Wile” is pronounced wyl (/waɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “wile” in a sentence?
Here is “wile” used in a sentence: “She used her wiles to talk her way past security.”
What part of speech is “wile”?
Depending on how it is used, “wile” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wile” come from?
The word “wile” comes from Old English. From Middle English wile, related to Old English wīl ("trick") — a doublet of the word "guile.".
How many meanings does “wile” have?
“Wile” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a crafty trick used to deceive or persuade someone.