wedge

noun

\ 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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Synonyms for wedge

Synonyms: Verb

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 Their cruel sibling, the wedge salad, is not so generous. — Washington Post, "Miss Manners: Proper way to eat salad," 19 Dec. 2020 But just as party unity is needed, Trump’s rhetoric has driven a wedge within the GOP. — Janet Hook, Los Angeles Times, "Tumult in Georgia signals Trump’s post-presidency challenge for GOP," 3 Dec. 2020 Zimet moved some of Boucherie’s popular lunch items to Bourree, which is open for lunch and dinner daily, so guests can get favorites like the Buffalo cauliflower po-boy and the wedge salad. — Beth D'addono, NOLA.com, "Nathanial Zimet adds outdoor dining as he retools Carrollton restaurants Boucherie and Bourree," 19 Oct. 2020 The stand will also sell a wedge salad and chocolate and vanilla soft-serve ice cream. — Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, "Neal Brown is bringing his smash burgers to Fishers Test Kitchen for a few months," 14 Oct. 2020 After an exhausting six-month journey that has tested people’s capacity to adapt and driven an ideological wedge into the middle of a sport based on unclear medical information and capacity for risk, SMU at least is going to kick off. — Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, "Opinion: After crazy six-month journey, college football kicks off this weekend amid anxiety and relief," 5 Sep. 2020 This hypoallergenic wedge pillow provides a gentle inclination that reduces acid reflux, gerd, heartburn, snoring and respiratory issues. — Tanya Edwards, CNN Underscored, "The best pillows for every type of sleeper," 14 Aug. 2020 The scandal has not only angered Thai society, it's driven a wedge through a family that has long remained silent on the issue. — Kocha Olarn And Nectar Gan, CNN, "The Red Bull heir, a crashed car and the scandal that angered Thailand," 11 Aug. 2020 The wedge was especially effective at relieving tension across the upper back and shoulder blades. — Sian Babish, chicagotribune.com, "Theragun Elite review: Can this massage gun provide relief for desk workers and athletes?," 22 Jan. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb While this was happening, the suspect tried to wedge his car between the officer's Chevy Tahoe and a semi-truck. — Slone Terranella, Detroit Free Press, "MSP arrest man who tried to flee scene after crashing into trooper's SUV on I-275," 16 Feb. 2021 Shawna kicked Jasper in the chest and tried to wedge herself between the dogs’ muzzles, while at the same time trying to keep Scout out of the fight. — Susanne Craig, New York Times, "An Unleashed Dog, Sentenced to Death After an Attack," 26 Jan. 2021 At one point, in bursts Agnes (Hahn), Wanda’s neighbor, de facto new best friend, and the woman who’s about to wedge herself into the super couple’s lives. — Kelsea Stahler, refinery29.com, "Kathryn Hahn Is Back To Playing The Best Friend In WandaVision — Or Is She?," 15 Jan. 2021 Nuthatches pluck a seed from the feeder, wedge it in a tree-bark crevice and pound it with their beaks to break it open. — Paul Stenquist, Star Tribune, "Want the birds to come entertain you? Set a good table," 8 Dec. 2020 Nuthatches pluck a seed from the feeder, wedge it in a tree-bark crevice and pound it with their beaks to break it open. — Paul Stenquist, Star Tribune, "Want the birds to come entertain you? Set a good table," 8 Dec. 2020 Nuthatches pluck a seed from the feeder, wedge it in a tree-bark crevice and pound it with their beaks to break it open. — Paul Stenquist, Star Tribune, "Want the birds to come entertain you? Set a good table," 8 Dec. 2020 Cleveland police had to send officers on its bicycle unit, with the only protective gear on them being bicycle helmets, to wedge between the protesters and the building’s glass doors. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland, "Cleveland’s after-action report of May 30 protest, riots fails to ask: was there another way?," 12 Dec. 2020 Nuthatches pluck a seed from the feeder, wedge it in a tree-bark crevice and pound it with their beaks to break it open. — Paul Stenquist, Star Tribune, "Want the birds to come entertain you? Set a good table," 8 Dec. 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

12 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Wedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wedge. Accessed 28 Feb. 2021.

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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