ways

1 of 2

noun

ˈwāz 

plural in form but singular in construction

: way sense 6

a long ways from home

-ways

2 of 2

adverb suffix

: in (such) a way, course, direction, or manner

sideways

Examples of ways in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Still, by fully embracing data, businesses can gain a comprehensive view of their current impact and identify effective ways to reduce carbon emissions in the future. —Robert Bailkoski, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Hall filed for divorce from Joshua in July and has since leaned on the couple for support in unique ways. —Tracy Wright, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wayes, from genitive of way entry 1

Adverb suffix

Middle English, from ways, genitive of way

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ways

• a ways to go
• change one's ways
• cut both ways
• go our/their/your several ways
• go separate ways
• in many ways
• in more ways than one
• mend one's ways
• no two ways about it
• parting of the ways
• part ways
• set in one's ways
• stuck in one's ways
• swing both ways
• the error of one's ways
• the way/ways of the world
• ways and means
• wise in the ways of

Rhymes for ways

• baize
• bays
• blase
• blaze
• braes
• braze
• ablaze
• airways
• allays
• always
• amaze
• anglaise

Kids Definition

-ways

adverb suffix

ˌwāz

: in such a way, course, direction, or manner

sideways

Etymology

Adverb suffix

derived from Middle English way "course, route"