First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1wag
verb \ˈwag\
: to move something from side to side repeatedly
waggedwag·ging
Full Definition of WAG
intransitive verb
1
: to be in motion : stir
2
: to move to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions
3
: to move in chatter or gossip <scandal caused tongues to wag>
4
archaic : depart
5
: waddle
transitive verb
1
: to swing to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions : switch <a dog wagging its tail>; specifically : to nod (the head) or shake (a finger) at (as in assent or mild reproof)
2
: to move (as the tongue) animatedly in conversation
— wag·ger noun
See wag defined for English-language learners
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Origin of WAG
Middle English waggen; akin to Middle High German wacken to totter, Old English wegan to move — more at way
2wag
noun
3wag
noun
Definition of WAG
2
obsolete : a young man : chap
Origin of WAG
probably short for obsolete English waghalter gallows bird, from English 1wag + halter
First Known Use: circa 1553
WAG Defined for Kids
1wag
verb \ˈwag\
waggedwag·ging
Definition of WAG for Kids
: to swing to and fro or from side to side <“No, no. …” The old man wagged his finger. — Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising>
2wag
noun
Definition of WAG for Kids
: a movement back and forth or from side to side
3wag
noun
Definition of WAG for Kids
: a person full of jokes and humor
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