wan

verb

wanned; wanning
Synonyms of wannext

intransitive verb

: to grow or become pale or sickly

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wan was in 1578

Rhymes for wan

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Browse Nearby Words

wamus
wan
WAN
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Cite this Entry

“Wan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wan. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wan

adjective
ˈwän
wanner; wannest
1
a
: pale entry 1 sense 1b, sickly
a wan complexion
b
: lacking vitality : feeble
2
: dim entry 1 sense 1, faint
a wan light
3
: showing little effort : languid
a wan smile
wanly adverb
wanness
ˈwän-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wan

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wan

Nglish: Translation of wan for Spanish Speakers

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