First Known Use: circa 1661
Dictionary
wheedle
verb whee·dle \ˈhwē-dəl, ˈwē-\
: to persuade someone to do something or to give you something by saying nice things
whee·dledwhee·dling \ˈ(h)wēd-liŋ, ˈ(h)wē-dəl-iŋ\
Full Definition of WHEEDLE
transitive verb
1
: to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
2
: to gain or get by wheedling <wheedle one's way into favor>
intransitive verb
: to use soft words or flattery
See wheedle defined for English-language learners
See wheedle defined for kids
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Origin of WHEEDLE
origin unknown
Synonym Discussion of WHEEDLE
cajole, coax, soft-soap, blandish, wheedle mean to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions. cajole suggests the deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections <cajoled him into cheating on the final exam>. coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect <coaxed the cat out of the tree>. soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain <politicians soft-soaping eligible voters>. blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions <legislators blandished with promises of support>. wheedle suggests more strongly than cajole the use of seductive appeal or artful words in persuading <hucksters wheedling her life's savings out of her>.
WHEEDLING Defined for Kids
wheedle
verb whee·dle \ˈhwē-dəl, ˈwē-\
whee·dledwhee·dling
Definition of WHEEDLE for Kids
1
: to get (someone) to think or act a certain way by flattering : coax <“You're such a good cook, you make dinner,” she wheedled.>
2
: to gain or get by coaxing or flattering <He's trying to wheedle money out of them.>
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