wish

play

verb \ˈwish\

Definition of wish

transitive verb
1 : to have a desire for (something, such as something unattainable) wished he could live his life over
2 : to give expression to as a wish : bid wish them good night
3a : to give form to (a wish)b : to express a wish forc : to request in the form of a wish : orderd : to desire (a person or thing) to be as specified cannot wish our problems away
4 : to confer (something unwanted) on someone : foist
intransitive verb
1 : to have a desire : want wishing for more
2 : to make a wish wish on a falling star

wisher

noun

See wish defined for English-language learners

See wish defined for kids

Examples of wish in a sentence

You may use the telephone, if you wish.
She wished them a happy New Year.
We wish you a Merry Christmas.

Origin and Etymology of wish

Middle English wisshen, from Old English wȳscan; akin to Old High German wunsken to wish, Sanskrit vāñchati he wishes, vanoti he strives for — more at win

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of wish

desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim. desires to start a new life wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable. wishes for permanent world peace want specifically suggests a felt need or lack. wants to have a family crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need. craves sweets covet implies strong envious desire. covets his rise to fame

wish

noun

Definition of wish

1a : an act or instance of wishing or desire : want a wish to travelb : an object of desire : goal
2a : an expressed will or desire : mandateb : a request or command couched as a wish
3 : an invocation of good or evil fortune on someone

See wish defined for English-language learners

Examples of wish in a sentence

He has a wish to be reunited with his son.
The genie will grant you three wishes.
Send her my good wishes.

14th Century

First Known Use of wish

14th century

WISH Defined for English Language Learners

wish

play

verb \ˈwish\

Definition of wish for English Language Learners

: to want (something) to be true or to happen
: to want or ask to do (something)
: to want (someone) to be in a particular state

wish

noun

Definition of wish for English Language Learners

: a desire for something to happen or be done : a feeling of wanting to do or have something
: an act of thinking about something that you want and hoping that you will get it or that it will happen in some magical way
wishes : good thoughts or feelings directed toward a person

WISH Defined for Kids

wish

play

verb \ˈwish\

Definition of wish for Students

wished

;

wishing

1 : to have a desire for : want I wish you were here.
2 : to form or express a desire concerning He wished them both good luck.
3 : to request by expressing a desire I wish you to go now.

wish

play

noun

Definition of wish for Students

1 : an act or instance of having or expressing a desire usually in the mind Close your eyes and make a wish.
2 : something wanted I got my wish.
3 : a desire for happiness or luck Send them my best wishes.