1
a
: a payment usually of money for labor or services usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis
—often used in plural
b
wages plural
: the share of the national product attributable to labor as a factor in production
2
: recompense, reward
—usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
… the wages of sin is death …—
Romans 6:23 (Revised Standard Version)
Romans 6:23 (Revised Standard Version)
waged; waging
: to engage in or carry on
wage war
wage a campaign
: to be in process of occurring
… the riot waged for several hours …—Amer. Guide Series: Md.
Amer. Guide Series: Md.Examples of wage in a Sentence
Noun
Both of them make decent wages.
The table and chairs cost two weeks' wages.
The company offers competitive wages and good benefits.
The company gave workers a four percent wage increase this year.
Verb
They waged a guerrilla war against the government.
Local activists are waging a campaign to end homelessness in the region.
Recent Examples on the Web
Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
An income statement would show supplies purchased, rent, services and wages paid, money received, this adds the labor and land elements.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
In her book, Richard explains how a small group of wealthy people have led the country into authoritarianism, waging war on US ideals.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wage
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
In the past forty years, men’s wages have decreased as a percentage of over-all family income, while broader wealth inequalities and job insecurity have grown.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
An income statement would show supplies purchased, rent, services and wages paid, money received, this adds the labor and land elements.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
California is waging war against her children- targeting the poor and communities of color.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
In her book, Richard explains how a small group of wealthy people have led the country into authoritarianism, waging war on US ideals.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wage
Cite this Entry
“Wage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wage. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wage
1 of 2 verb
waged; waging
1
: to engage in or carry on
wage war
wage a campaign
2
: to be in the process of occurring
the battle waged for hours
wage
2 of 2 noun1
: a payment for work or services usually calculated on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis
—often used in plural
2
singular or plural
: something given or received because of one's actions : reward
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
