First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1wile
noun \ˈwī(-ə)l\
Definition of WILE
1
: a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive; also : a beguiling or playful trick
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Origin of WILE
Middle English wil, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vēl deceit, artifice
Related to WILE
Synonym Discussion of WILE
trick, ruse, stratagem, maneuver, artifice, wile, feint mean an indirect means to gain an end. trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end <the tricks of the trade>. ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression <the ruses of smugglers>. stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy <the stratagem-filled game>. maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty <last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy>. artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention <the clever artifices of the stage>. wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements <used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself>. feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent <a feint toward the enemy's left flank>.
2wile
verb
wiledwil·ing
Definition of WILE
transitive verb
1
: to lure by or as if by a magic spell : entice
2
[by alteration] : while
First Known Use of WILE
14th century
Related to WILE
WILING Defined for Kids
1wile
noun \ˈwīl\
Definition of WILE for Kids
: a trick meant to trap or deceive
2wile
verb
wiledwil·ing
Definition of WILE for Kids
: 2lure
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