wished; wishing; wishes
1
: to have a desire for (something, such as something unattainable)
wished he could live his life over
2
: to give expression to as a wish : bid
wish them good night
3
a
: to give form to (a wish)
b
: to express a wish for
c
: to request in the form of a wish : order
d
: to desire (a person or thing) to be as specified
cannot wish our problems away
4
: to confer (something unwanted) on someone : foist
1
: to have a desire : want
wishing for more
2
: to make a wish
wish on a falling star
wisher
noun
Examples of wish in a Sentence
Verb
You may use the telephone, if you wish.
She wished them a happy New Year.
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
Noun
He has a wish to be reunited with his son.
The genie will grant you three wishes.
Send her my good wishes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
27 June 2026
The park commemorates the battle of King’s Mountain, a significant victory in the revolutionary war, and offers a variety of outdoor activities and an obelisk monument, for those wishing to memorialize the revolutionary spirit.
—
Eva Flowe
june 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2026
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
Per her father’s wish, there will not be a formal memorial service.
—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wish
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Verb
Shaking every hand and wishing each member safety and luck, the pair gave a rousing pep talk.
—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
27 June 2026
The park commemorates the battle of King’s Mountain, a significant victory in the revolutionary war, and offers a variety of outdoor activities and an obelisk monument, for those wishing to memorialize the revolutionary spirit.
—
Eva Flowe
june 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2026
Noun
And while a 29-year-old Pele didn’t quite peak at the tournament, Jairzinho certainly did; scoring in every game after finally being granted his wish to play on the right for his country.
—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
Per her father’s wish, there will not be a formal memorial service.
—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wish
Cite this Entry
“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wish. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wish
2 of 2 noun1
a
: an act or instance of wishing or desire
a wish to travel
b
: an object of desire : goal
I got my wish—a good score on the test
2
: a wishing of good fortune
sends her best wishes
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