wonder

1 of 3

noun

won·​der ˈwən-dər How to pronounce wonder (audio)
1
a
: a cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel
it's a wonder you weren't killed
the pyramid is a wonder to behold
b
2
: the quality of exciting amazed admiration
3
a
: rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience
b
: a feeling of doubt or uncertainty

wonder

2 of 3

verb

wondered; wondering ˈwən-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce wonder (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to be in a state of wonder
b
: to feel surprise
2
: to feel curiosity or doubt
wondering about the future

transitive verb

: to be curious or in doubt about
wonders why birds sing
wonderer noun

wonder

3 of 3

adjective

: wondrous, wonderful: such as
a
: exciting amazement or admiration
wonder toys
b
: effective or efficient far beyond anything previously known or anticipated
a wonder fabric

Examples of wonder in a Sentence

Noun The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. This new computer is a technological wonder. The child's eyes were filled with wonder during the trip to the circus. We watched the fireworks show with wonder and amazement. She gazed up at the tall buildings in wonder. Is it any wonder why this movie is so popular? Verb Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? Who could that be at the door, I wonder? She wondered aloud what to do with the money. I was wondering about that. Sometimes his behavior makes me wonder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Vogue has curated this list of nonfiction films that go far beyond educational purposes and revel in the full majesty of the outdoors and the wonder of wildlife. Carolina Dalia Gonzalez, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2024 The venue brings visitors across Mexico to experience its natural and indigenous wonders using large-format photography and multisensory installations. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 The film is indeed both an ode to nature, the wonders of Finnish old-growth coniferous forests and woodland animals, and to the passionate youths fighting to protect them. Annika Pham, Variety, 2 Mar. 2024 When not surveying the natural wonders of the Galapagos, guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor dining areas and a sun deck with a palatial hot tub. Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The wonders of Baja’s East Cape and beyond are seemingly endless. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 The City Museum is full of absolute wonder for kids and adults, and there's also the Saint Louis Science Center, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, Myseum, and tons of other learning opportunities. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024 The pilots did pick up speed during their heats, with two actually bumping into each other but remaining in the air as a crowd watched in wonder. Jon Gambrell, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 Fleischmann, who had once hailed the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, built for the L.A. Phil in 1964 as an acoustic wonder, eventually pronounced it unworthy. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024
Verb
At which point bar patrons must wonder what, exactly, went into their Negronis. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2024 No one would dare fondle some of Dublin’s other high-profile statues like those depicting James Joyce, Oscar Wilde or Wolfe Tone — all men, the writer added, wondering why Molly Malone’s statue must be subjected to undignified and disrespectful attention. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 And even if pricing isn’t an issue, there are other factors that make PSL owners wonder. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 Ever wonder why the housing sector didn’t crash last year? Alena Botros, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 From there, followers started to wonder whether a breakup announcement might be coming. Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 At least one commenter wondered if Tomlinson had been hoodwinked by the higher-ups at CBS. Eliza Brooke, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Last week, a Fox host was talking with Senator Mike Braun (R., Ind.) and wondering why Mitch McConnell couldn’t be shoved from the leadership position before November. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 7 Mar. 2024 Still, people have long been wondering what's been going on with Williams – hence the documentary's title – perhaps overriding their thoughtfulness about her privacy. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024
Adjective
This was half a century ago, but there is still wonder in his voice. Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 7 Dec. 2021 It’s no wonder European markets are drooling at the prospect of grabbing a bigger slice of the SPAC pie. Adrian Croft, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wonder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English wundor; akin to Old High German wuntar wonder

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wonder was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wonder

Cite this Entry

“Wonder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wonder. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

wonder

1 of 2 noun
won·​der ˈwən-dər How to pronounce wonder (audio)
1
: something extraordinary or surprising : marvel
the pyramid is a wonder of ancient Egypt
2
a
: a feeling (as awe, astonishment, or uncertainty) caused by something extraordinary, mysterious, or new to one's experience
b
: the quality of exciting wonder
the charm and wonder of the scene

wonder

2 of 2 verb
wondered; wondering -d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce wonder (audio)
1
: to feel surprise or amazement
2
: to have curiosity or doubt
I wondered about that
wonderer noun

Biographical Definition

Wonder

biographical name

Won·​der ˈwən-dər How to pronounce Wonder (audio)
Stevie 1950–     born Stevland Hardaway Judkins American singer, songwriter and instrumentalist

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