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wattle

noun (1)
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wat·​tle | \ ˈwä-tᵊl How to pronounce wattle (audio) \

Definition of wattle

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a fabrication of poles interwoven with slender branches, withes, or reeds and used especially formerly in building
b : material for such construction
c wattles plural : poles laid on a roof to support thatch
2 Australia : acacia sense 2

wattle

verb
wattled; wattling\ ˈwät-​liŋ , ˈwä-​tᵊl-​iŋ How to pronounce wattle (audio) \

Definition of wattle (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to form or build of or with wattle
2a : to form into wattle : interlace to form wattle
b : to unite or make solid by interweaving light flexible material

wattle

noun (2)

Definition of wattle (Entry 3 of 3)

: a fleshy pendulous process usually about the head or neck (as of a bird)

Other Words from wattle

Noun (1)

wattled \ ˈwä-​tᵊld How to pronounce wattle (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of wattle

Noun (1)

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1513, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for wattle

Noun (1)

Middle English wattel, from Old English watel; akin to Old High German wadal bandage

Noun (2)

origin unknown

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Time Traveler for wattle

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The first known use of wattle was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wattle. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for wattle

wattle

noun
wat·​tle | \ ˈwä-tᵊl How to pronounce wattle (audio) \

Kids Definition of wattle

: a fleshy flap of skin that hangs usually from the neck (as of a bird)

wattle

noun
wat·​tle | \ ˈwät-ᵊl How to pronounce wattle (audio) \

Medical Definition of wattle

: a fleshy process that hangs usually from the head or neck (as of a bird)

Other Words from wattle

wattled \ -​ᵊld How to pronounce wattle (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on wattle

Nglish: Translation of wattle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wattle

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