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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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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