noun
wile
wyl
Wile (noun) means a crafty trick used to deceive or persuade someone. Example: “She used her wiles to talk her way past security.”
noun
1
A crafty trick used to deceive or persuade someone.
"She used her wiles to talk her way past security."
verb
1
To lure or charm someone through cunning or trickery.
"He tried to wile her into agreeing with a bit of flattery."
How to use wile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sly trick or the act of using cunning charm to get what you want.
Common mistake
Almost always seen in the plural "wiles" (as in "feminine wiles"); the singular is rare.
Common pairings
feminine wiles
use your wiles
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Word forms
- Plural
- wiles
- Third person singular
- wiles
- Past tense
- wiled
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
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
