wag

¹wag

verb \ˈwag\

waggedwag·ging

Definition of WAG

intransitive verb

1

: to be in motion : stir

2

: to move to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions

3

: to move in chatter or gossip <scandal caused tongues to wag>

4

archaic : depart

5

: waddle

transitive verb

1

: to swing to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions : switch <a dog wagging its tail>; specifically : to nod (the head) or shake (a finger) at (as in assent or mild reproof)

2

: to move (as the tongue) animatedly in conversation

— wag·ger noun

Examples of WAG

1. The dog wagged its tail.
2. She wagged her finger at the children as she scolded them.
3. He wagged his head back and forth.
4. The dog's tail began to wag excitedly.

Origin of WAG

Middle English waggen; akin to Middle High German wacken to totter, Old English wegan to move — more at way

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to WAG

Synonyms

swish, switch, waggle

Related Words

oscillate, rock, sway, swing, waver; beat, flail, flap, flop, lash, whip; flick, flicker, flutter, wave; jerk, jolt; jig, jiggle, joggle, shake, twitch, wiggle; bob, jog, nod

Near Antonyms

clam up, shut up

Rhymes with WAG

ag, bag, brag, crag, dag, drag, fag, flag, gag, hag, jag, lag, mag, nag, quag, rag, sag, scag, scrag, shag, slag, snag, sprag, stag, swag, tag, YAG, zag

²wag

noun

Definition of WAG

: an act of wagging : shake

First Known Use of WAG

1589

³wag

noun

Definition of WAG

1

: wit, joker

2

obsolete : a young man : chap

Origin of WAG

probably short for obsolete English waghalter gallows bird, from English ¹wag + halter

First Known Use: circa 1553