wonder

1 of 3

noun

won·​der ˈwən-dər How to pronounce wonder (audio)
1
a
: a cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel
it's a wonder you weren't killed
the pyramid is a wonder to behold
b
2
: the quality of exciting amazed admiration
3
a
: rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience
b
: a feeling of doubt or uncertainty

wonder

2 of 3

verb

wondered; wondering ˈwən-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce wonder (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to be in a state of wonder
b
: to feel surprise
2
: to feel curiosity or doubt
wondering about the future

transitive verb

: to be curious or in doubt about
wonders why birds sing
wonderer noun

wonder

3 of 3

adjective

: wondrous, wonderful: such as
a
: exciting amazement or admiration
wonder toys
b
: effective or efficient far beyond anything previously known or anticipated
a wonder fabric

Examples of wonder in a Sentence

Noun The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. This new computer is a technological wonder. The child's eyes were filled with wonder during the trip to the circus. We watched the fireworks show with wonder and amazement. She gazed up at the tall buildings in wonder. Is it any wonder why this movie is so popular? Verb Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? Who could that be at the door, I wonder? She wondered aloud what to do with the money. I was wondering about that. Sometimes his behavior makes me wonder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
When she was finished, guests filled with wonder, and many refreshments, started peeling off to bed. Sarah Wood, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024 With Earth Day approaching, Arizona's stunning natural landscape, boasting one of the world's natural wonders, offers the perfect backdrop for celebration. Kayla Jackson, The Arizona Republic, 17 Mar. 2024 The level of wonder in the work of Anand Varma is a profound example of what’s possible through photography. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 But in ancient times, the spectacle of the sun disappearing in the middle of the day would have been a thing of wonder, even something to be feared. Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024 The new front comes after Dallas-Worth’s warming trend in the past weeks, making some wonder what summer will be like this year. David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024 Vogue has curated this list of nonfiction films that go far beyond educational purposes and revel in the full majesty of the outdoors and the wonder of wildlife. Carolina Dalia Gonzalez, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2024 The venue brings visitors across Mexico to experience its natural and indigenous wonders using large-format photography and multisensory installations. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 The film is indeed both an ode to nature, the wonders of Finnish old-growth coniferous forests and woodland animals, and to the passionate youths fighting to protect them. Annika Pham, Variety, 2 Mar. 2024
Verb
That talent had some wondering if Brooks might transfer during the coaching transition from Brady Hoke to Lewis, but Brooks said he was not tempted to leave. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 In a game that doesn’t have any kind of supernatural element, I was left wondering where these super-human beings came from. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Read: The carry-on-baggage bubble is about to pop Many people are wondering: What is going on with airplanes? Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 These moments of creative license leave the reader wondering what else Paulson has fudged. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2024 Who could blame her for wondering why, and for seeking out literally any explanation besides coldhearted rejection? Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 Now that the Daniel Craig era of the James Bond franchise is over, fans are still wondering: Who will take up the 007 mantle next? Charley Ross, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2024 Some analysts wonder if the Fed might need to adjust to a new sense of what inflation should be. Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 At which point bar patrons must wonder what, exactly, went into their Negronis. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2024
Adjective
This was half a century ago, but there is still wonder in his voice. Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 7 Dec. 2021 It’s no wonder European markets are drooling at the prospect of grabbing a bigger slice of the SPAC pie. Adrian Croft, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wonder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English wundor; akin to Old High German wuntar wonder

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near wonder

Cite this Entry

“Wonder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wonder. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

wonder

1 of 2 noun
won·​der ˈwən-dər How to pronounce wonder (audio)
1
: something extraordinary or surprising : marvel
the pyramid is a wonder of ancient Egypt
2
a
: a feeling (as awe, astonishment, or uncertainty) caused by something extraordinary, mysterious, or new to one's experience
b
: the quality of exciting wonder
the charm and wonder of the scene

wonder

2 of 2 verb
wondered; wondering -d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce wonder (audio)
1
: to feel surprise or amazement
2
: to have curiosity or doubt
I wondered about that
wonderer noun

Biographical Definition

Wonder

biographical name

Won·​der ˈwən-dər How to pronounce Wonder (audio)
Stevie 1950–     born Stevland Hardaway Judkins American singer, songwriter and instrumentalist

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