wedge

\ ˈwej

Definition of wedge

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a piece of a substance (such as wood or iron) that tapers to a thin edge and is used for splitting wood and rocks, raising heavy bodies, or for tightening by being driven into something

2a : something (such as a policy) causing a breach or separation

b : something used to initiate an action or development

3 : something wedge-shaped: such as

a : an array of troops or tanks in the form of a wedge

b : the wedge-shaped stroke in cuneiform characters

c : a shoe having a heel extending from the back of the shoe to the front of the shank and a tread formed by an extension of the sole

d : an iron golf club with a broad low-angled face for maximum loft

4 : a golf shot made with a wedge

— called also wedge shot

wedge

verb

wedged; wedging

Definition of wedge (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to fasten or tighten by driving in a wedge

2a : to force or press (something) into a narrow space : cram

b : to force (one's way) into or through

3 : to separate or force apart with or as if with a wedge

intransitive verb

: to become wedged

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about wedge

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Examples of wedge in a Sentence

Noun He used a wedge to split the firewood. A wedge held the door open. The battalion formed a wedge and marched toward the enemy. Verb She wedged her foot into the crack. The dog got wedged between the couch and the end table. I wedged myself into the car's back seat. She wedged the door open.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun From a strategic perspective, Mr. Fravel said, China should want to drive a wedge between India and the United States to prevent any kind of counter-balance coalition. — The Christian Science Monitor, "Trading border accusations, can India and China make peace?," 19 June 2020 And what better way to do that than create chaos driving a wedge between Washington and Seoul? — Joshua Berlinger, CNN, "Chaos in the Koreas sees Kim Jong Un's sister emerge stronger than ever," 18 June 2020 But Pyongyang also senses cracks in the U.S.-South Korea alliance, and is trying to drive a wedge, experts say. — Washington Post, "South Korea’s Moon was once given VIP welcome by the North. He’s now mocked as Korean crisis deepens.," 17 June 2020 None of the new features expressly leverage other capabilities in Microsoft Office, which has traditionally been Microsoft’s wedge to help establish Teams. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Microsoft Teams for Education preps for fall with 7x7 speaker grid, deeper analytics," 15 June 2020 In-house specials include the house wedge salad, crabcakes and the surf and turf meal featuring an 8-ounce filet and crabcake. — Dallas News, "Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants offering Father’s Day specials," 13 June 2020 Somehow our foursome managed to knock in a birdie on 18 thanks to a beautiful pitching wedge from about 120 yards out by me. — Stefan Krajisnik, The Indianapolis Star, "IU's Pfau Course 'has opportunity to be one of best college golf courses in the country.'," 12 June 2020 Everlane’s new espadrilles are available in two versions: a d’orsay flat espadrille with ties around the ankle and a sleek leather flat with a slight wedge. — Kami Phillips, Travel + Leisure, "Everlane Just Launched a Comfy Flat Version of Kate Middleton’s Go-to Summer Shoe Style," 11 June 2020 Chinese attempts to drive a wedge between EU countries have failed. — The Economist, "Charlemagne Europe’s “Sinatra doctrine” on China," 11 June 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Threading the screw into the anchor with either a screwdriver or drill will cause the anchor to expand and wedge firmly into the wall. — Kristina Mcguirk, Better Homes & Gardens, "Everything You Need to Know to Properly (and Safely) Hang a Heavy Mirror," 15 June 2020 The see-through panels were tough to push or pull apart but sat somewhat off-kilter, leaving a gap wide enough for the skinnier among us to wedge their way through to the trains. — Michael Cabanatuan, SFChronicle.com, "BART’s new gate makes its debut to praise, doubts it will stop fare evaders," 11 June 2020 His head was wedged between the road and the driver's side door. — Sophie Carson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputy told police he was looking at squad computer, didn't see red light before fatal crash," 18 May 2020 Her tidy one-story house is wedged between buildings mimicking New Jersey suburbs and Atlanta’s classic white architecture. — The Christian Science Monitor, "Working thousands of miles from home – to build a new one," 7 May 2020 On a shelf, wedged next to instruction manuals and binders of lab records, is a reminder of bygone glory: a group photo of Tan surrounded by more than two dozen smiling students and employees. — David Armstrong, ProPublica, "The Trump Administration Drove Him Back to China, Where He Invented a Fast Coronavirus Test," 18 Mar. 2020 Turn off the heat and transfer the mandarin wedges to a serving platter. — Christian Reynoso, SFChronicle.com, "Bounty: New recipe column from Zuni Cafe chef celebrates best of California," 28 Feb. 2020 Rather than trust the central conflict of Bertie and Lionel’s earnest but tenuous bond, this production wedges Cosmo Lang (Noble Shropshire), the Archbishop of Canterbury, between them as a cartoonish second-act villain. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, "‘The King’s Speech’ amounts to a stale retelling," 13 Feb. 2020 Fiberglass wedges jut out from every surface—even the floor—to prevent waves from reverberating and muddying the test results. — Popular Science, "Inside America’s legendary audio gear factory," 7 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wedge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

23 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Wedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wedge. Accessed 4 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for wedge

wedge

noun

English Language Learners Definition of wedge

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a piece of wood, metal, etc., with one pointed end and one thicker end that is used to split something, to fit into a space, to separate two things stuck together, etc.

: something that is shaped like a triangle or wedge

: a golf club that is used for hitting short, high shots

wedge

verb

English Language Learners Definition of wedge (Entry 2 of 2)

: to force (someone or something) into a very small or narrow space

: to use a wedge or similar object to keep (something, such as a door or window) in an open or closed position

See the full definition for wedge in the English Language Learners Dictionary

wedge

noun

\ ˈwej