First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wane
verb \ˈwān\
of the moon : to appear to become thinner or less full
: to become smaller or less : to decrease in size, amount, length, or quality
wanedwan·ing
Full Definition of WANE
intransitive verb
1
2
: to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence
See wane defined for English-language learners
See wane defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of WANE
Middle English, from Old English wanian; akin to Old High German wanōn to wane, Old English wan wanting, deficient, Latin vanus empty, vain
Related to WANE
- Synonyms
- abate, decline, de-escalate, die (away or down or out), diminish, drain (away), drop (off), dwindle, ease, ebb, fall, fall away, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, pall, phase down, ratchet (down) also rachet (down), recede, relent, remit, shrink, subside, taper, taper off, decrease
Synonym Discussion of WANE
abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity. abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing <the storm abated>. subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation <the protests subsided after a few days>. wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive <waning enthusiasm>. ebb suggests the receding of something (as the tide) that commonly comes and goes <the ebbing of daylight>.
Rhymes with WANE
ain, Aisne, ane, Bain, bane, blain, brain, cane, chain, crane, deign, drain, fain, fane, feign, gain, grain, Kane, lane, Lane, main, mane, pain, Paine, pane, plain, plane, quean, rain, reign, rein, sain, sane, seine, Seine, skein, Spain, sprain, stain, strain, swain, thane, thegn, train, twain, Twain, vain, vane, vein, wain, Wayne
2wane
noun
Definition of WANE
1
a : the act or process of waning <strength on the wane> b : a period or time of waning; specifically : the period from the full moon to the new moon
2
[Middle English, defect, from Old English wana; akin to Old English wan deficient] : a defect in lumber characterized by bark or a lack of wood at a corner or edge
See wane defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WANE
14th century
WANE Defined for Kids
wane
verb \ˈwān\
wanedwan·ing
Definition of WANE for Kids
1
: to grow smaller or less <His interest in the game was waning.> <The moon wanes.>
2
: to grow shorter <The day is waning.>
Learn More About WANE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up wane? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).