wave

¹wave

verb \ˈwāv\

wavedwav·ing

Definition of WAVE

intransitive verb

1

: to motion with the hands or with something held in them in signal or salute

2

: to float, play, or shake in an air current : move loosely to and fro : flutter <flags waving in the breeze>

3

of water : to move in waves : heave

4

: to become moved or brandished to and fro <signs waved in the crowd>

5

: to move before the wind with a wavelike motion <field of waving grain>

6

: to follow a curving line or take a wavy form : undulate

transitive verb

1

: to swing (something) back and forth or up and down

2

: to impart a curving or undulating shape to <waved her hair>

3

a : to motion to (someone) to go in an indicated direction or to stop : signal <waved down a passing car> b : to gesture with (the hand or an object) in greeting or farewell or in homage c : to dismiss or put out of mind : disregard —usually used with aside or off d : to convey by waving <waved farewell>

4

: brandish, flourish <waved a pistol menacingly>

Examples of WAVE

1. We waved to our friends through the window.
2. She was waving in the direction of the bridge.
3. Flags were waving in the breeze.
4. The magician waved his magic wand.
5. The leader of the parade waved a flag.
6. It was so hot that we were all waving our hands in front of our faces to cool off.

Origin of WAVE

Middle English, from Old English wafian to wave with the hands; akin to Old English wæfan to clothe and perhaps to Old English wefan to weave

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WAVE

Synonyms: beckon, flag, gesture, signal, motion

Related Words: nod; gesticulate, mime, pantomime, sign; signalize; acquaint, advise, inform, relate, tell; flourish, shrug

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See Synonym Discussion at swing

Rhymes with WAVE

brave, cave, clave, crave, fave, glaive, grave, knave, lave, nave, pave, rave, save, shave, slave, stave, waive, Wave