wedge

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of wedgenext
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
2
a
: 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

Illustration of wedge

Illustration of wedge
  • W wedge 1

wedge

2 of 2

verb

wedged; wedging

transitive verb

1
: to fasten or tighten by driving in a wedge
2
a
: 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

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
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
Rub lemon wedge around rims of glasses; dip rims in sugar until well coated. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025 Washington and its allies should systematically call out these divisions, as well as the deep resentments felt within regimes over malfeasance and corruption, aiming to drive wedges between the elites and the ruler. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
Surprisingly, researchers found a unique, massive geological layer wedged between the oceanic crust and the rigid upper mantle. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025 Cumberland Terrace had somehow occupied the corner of Bay and Bloor Streets since the 1970s, wedged between luxury towers and some of Canada’s most expensive commercial real estate. Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wedge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wegge, from Old English wecg; akin to Old High German wecki wedge, Lithuanian vagis

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wedge was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wedge. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

wedge

1 of 2 noun
1
: a piece of wood or metal with a pointed edge used especially to split wood or rocks and to lift heavy weights
2
: something (as a piece of pie or land) shaped like a triangle
3
a
: something (as a policy or action) that causes a separation or break
the decision drove a wedge between them
b
: something that serves to open the way for an action or development

wedge

2 of 2 verb
wedged; wedging
1
: to fasten or tighten by or as if by driving in a wedge
2
a
: to press or force into a narrow space
wedged a stick into the crack
b
: to force (one's way) into or through
wedged his way into the crowd
3
: to separate or force apart with or as if with a wedge

More from Merriam-Webster on wedge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!