wonder
WUHN-duh
Wonder (noun) means a feeling of amazement and curiosity caused by something remarkable or unexpected. Example: “She looked at the night sky with wonder, as if seeing stars for the first time.”
noun
1
A feeling of amazement and curiosity caused by something remarkable or unexpected.
"She looked at the night sky with wonder, as if seeing stars for the first time."
"There was a sense of wonder in his voice as he described the cave."
"The children stared up at the fireworks in wonder."
2
Something that inspires awe or amazement.
"The old stone bridge is a wonder of engineering that still carries traffic today."
"Visitors travel miles to see the wonders hidden inside the ancient temple."
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world."
verb
1
To feel curious about something; to ask oneself a question.
"Sometimes I wonder how birds find their way home over such long distances."
"I wonder what she meant by that comment."
"He wondered whether he'd made the right choice."
How to use wonder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA feeling of amazed curiosity, an amazing thing, or (as a verb) to ask yourself a question thoughtfully.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wonder aloud
a sense of wonder
wonders of the world
no wonder
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Word forms
- Plural
- wonders
- Third person singular
- wonders
- Past tense
- wondered
- Archaic forms
- wonderest, wonderedst, wondereth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She looked at the night sky with _____, as if seeing stars for the first time.
Etymology
From Old English wundor, meaning "wonder" or "miracle" — a very old Germanic word found across related languages like Dutch and German (Wunder).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for wonder
See all rhymes for wonder →Frequently asked questions
What does “wonder” mean?
The word “wonder” means a feeling of amazement and curiosity caused by something remarkable or unexpected. In plain terms, a feeling of amazed curiosity, an amazing thing, or (as a verb) to ask yourself a question thoughtfully.
How do you pronounce “wonder”?
“Wonder” is pronounced WUHN-duh (/ˈwʌndɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wonder” in a sentence?
Here is “wonder” used in a sentence: “The children stared up at the fireworks in wonder.”
What part of speech is “wonder”?
Depending on how it is used, “wonder” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wonder” come from?
The word “wonder” comes from Old English. From Old English wundor, meaning "wonder" or "miracle" — a very old Germanic word found across related languages like Dutch and German (Wunder).
Is “wonder” a common word?
“Wonder” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “wonder” have?
“Wonder” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of amazement and curiosity caused by something remarkable or unexpected.
What is the difference between wonder and awe?
The two feelings are close and often overlap. Wonder is amazement mixed with curiosity — a delighted urge to understand something remarkable. Awe adds a sense of vastness and even reverence, sometimes touched with fear, as before something far greater than yourself. Wonder invites you closer; awe can make you feel small.
What is the difference between wonder and curiosity?
Curiosity is the desire to know or learn — it drives you to ask questions and investigate. Wonder is the fuller emotion that often sparks it: a feeling of amazement at something remarkable that leaves you both astonished and eager to understand. Curiosity is the itch; wonder is the marvel behind it.
Is wonder a positive emotion?
Yes, wonder is generally a warm, positive feeling. It combines pleasant amazement with open curiosity and is linked to joy, learning and a sense of the world's richness. Psychologists count it among the emotions that broaden our thinking and lift our mood, which is why it feels so uplifting.
What is an example of wonder?
Gazing up at a sky full of stars, watching a baby take its first steps, or standing before a vast canyon can all fill a person with wonder — that mix of amazement and curiosity at something remarkable. Children feel it often, as so much of the world is still new to them.
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