plural wages
: an amount of money that a worker is paid based on the number of hours, days, etc., that are worked
a wage of $14 an hour = an hourly wage of $14
Both of them make decent wages.
The table and chairs cost two weeks' wages.
The company offers competitive wages and good benefits.
The company gave workers a four percent wage increase this year.
wages; waged; waging
: to start and continue (a war, battle, etc.) in order to get or achieve something
They waged a guerrilla war against the government.
Local activists are waging a campaign to end homelessness in the region.
They waged [=fought] a battle against the proposed new law.
Cite this Entry
“Wage.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/wage. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
