Main Entry:

¹wa·ver

Pronunciation:

\ˈwā-vər\

Function:

intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

wa·vered; wa·ver·ing \ˈwāv-riŋ, ˈwā-və-riŋ\

Etymology:

Middle English; akin to Old English wǣfre restless, wafian to wave with the hands — more at wave

Date:

14th century

1: to vacillate irresolutely between choices : fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction2 a: to weave or sway unsteadily to and fro : reel, totter b: quiver, flicker <wavering flames> c: to hesitate as if about to give way : falter3: to give an unsteady sound : quaver

synonyms see swing, hesitate

— wa·ver·er \ˈwā-və-rər\ noun

— wa·ver·ing·ly \ˈwāv-riŋ-lē, ˈwā-və-\ adverb