as in to flap
to move from side to side or up and down with quick jerky motions
the rabbit waggled its ears and hopped away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of waggle
Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2023
One part of this process – the famous waggle dance – was discovered decades ago.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2011
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 May 2024
This part of the design also imparts a nice waggling action via its thin paddle tail.
—David A. Rose, Field & Stream, 20 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for waggle
Noun
The silence of the forest might be interrupted with a siren salute from a passing law enforcement helicopter, or a wing waggle from firefighting aircraft passing en route to a fire.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2023
One part of this process – the famous waggle dance – was discovered decades ago.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2011
Verb
The observations revealed that elephants greeted one another with specific combinations of vocalizations and gestures, such as rumbles with ear-flapping or ear-spreading, as well as other seemingly less deliberate physical movements, such as tail-raising and waggling, according to the study.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 May 2024
This part of the design also imparts a nice waggling action via its thin paddle tail.
—David A. Rose, Field & Stream, 20 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for waggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waggle
Noun
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Evie Long Bifold Wallet with Chain Keep all your essentials safe in this long wallet, which has a front flap with a snap closure, six credit card slots, and multiple interior pockets.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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The front flap pocket is suitable for most large smartphones, while the primary compartment acts as a zippered wallet with space for your cards, cash, and keys.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Union carved out a niche in romantic comedies, starring in Two Can Play That Game (2001), Deliver Us from Eva (2003), and Breakin’ All the Rules (2004), in addition to action flicks like Cradle 2 the Grave (2003).—
EW.com,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Bohm took a few steps, then flicked his bat into the air.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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When it was all said and done and Yorkie gave one final wag of her tail, she was revealed to be Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, singer, and actress Erika Jayne.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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The direction of the wag matters, too—research suggests that dogs tend to wag more to the right when feeling positive and to the left when experiencing negative emotions.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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If their tail starts twitching or their ears are flattened, then they may be overstimulated, which can lead to aggression.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
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Real Estate As Ballast Against Market Turbulence Why does Manhattan real estate hold up while other assets twitch?—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Absent such an intervention, President Trump’s de facto tariff switch is likely to remain in the 'on' position.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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Food The top 10 Italian spots in L.A. from the 101 Best Restaurants guide March 14, 2024 The texture switches from chewy to soft, creamy to crisp in every spoonful.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The former mayor of Salzburg gave the project the go-head in 2024, but now a governmental skirmish has begun after the mayoral office swung from the political right to the left after an election.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
18 Apr. 2025
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The second player swings the ball across the top of the key to the second side.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Peña started an offensive overhaul last season, quieting his batting stance and eliminating the bat wiggle in his pre-pitch setup.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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The charging case feels a little cheap, and there's some wiggle to the lid’s hinge, but at this price, that's to be expected.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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When the ball swished through the net, the tablet vibrated.—
Russell Leung,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2025
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Two minutes later, Cryer swished a 3, giving Houston a 50-48 lead, its first since the early minutes of the first half.—
Doug Haller,
The Athletic,
16 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Waggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waggle. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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