wag

UK: wæɡ | US: wæɡ

Definition

  1. v. to move (something) rapidly back and forth or up and down

  2. n. a person who makes jokes or behaves playfully

  3. n. the act of wagging (e.g., a dog’s tail)

Structure
wag <to sway or shake>
Etymology

The word "wag" originates from Middle English waggen, meaning "to sway or shake," likely of imitative origin, mimicking the motion it describes. It evolved to describe playful or jocular behavior (e.g., "a wag") by the 16th century, metaphorically linking physical movement to lively wit.

Examples

  1. The dog began to wag its tail excitedly when its owner returned.

  2. He’s known as the class wag, always making everyone laugh.

  3. The pendulum continued to wag slowly as time passed.

  4. She gave a playful wag of her finger to scold him.

  5. The leaves wagged in the gentle breeze.