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 direction
2 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 : falter
3 : 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