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Undulating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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undulating

[หˆสŒndjสŠหŒleษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing movement

Having a smooth, wavelike motion or appearance. Undulating surfaces or patterns create a sense of fluidity and grace.

Synonyms

rippling, rolling, swaying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undulating

Used to describe a surface or motion that moves smoothly up and down, like gentle waves.

  • The undulating landscape of the hills was mesmerizing
  • Her voice had an undulating tone that was soothing to listen to
rippling

Typically refers to small waves on the surface of water or other similar surfaces; it can also describe the effect of light or emotions spreading outwards.

  • He watched the pond, mesmerized by the rippling water
  • A sense of excitement was rippling through the crowd
rolling

Describes a continuous, gentle movement similar to waves, often used for landscapes or body movements.

  • The rolling plains extended as far as the eye could see
  • She moved with a rolling gait, her steps steady and rhythmic
swaying

Describes a side-to-side motion, often in reference to trees, people, or objects in the wind.

  • The trees were swaying gently in the breeze
  • The crowd was swaying to the rhythm of the music

Examples of usage

  • The undulating sea mesmerized the onlookers with its rhythmic waves.
  • The undulating terrain made it difficult for the hikers to maintain their balance.
Context #2 | Verb

describing movement

To move with a smooth, wavelike motion. The undulating motion can be gentle or more pronounced, resembling waves in the ocean.

Synonyms

ripple, roll, sway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undulating

Used to describe a motion that smoothly goes up and down or in waves, often applied to landscapes or surfaces.

  • The undulating hills were covered in green grass.
  • The model's undulating walk drew everyone's attention on the runway.
ripple

Refers to a small wave on the surface, commonly used for water, but can also describe subtle influences or effects spreading through something.

  • The pebble created ripples in the pond.
  • Her speech sent ripples of excitement through the crowd.
roll

Typically describes a smooth, continuous movement, often involving rotation or turning. Frequently associated with objects on wheels, waves, or a rounded motion.

  • The ball rolled down the hill.
  • The thunder rolled in the distance.
sway

Describes a rhythmic, side-to-side motion, often slow and gentle. Commonly used for objects or people moving back and forth.

  • The trees swayed in the wind.
  • She swayed to the music.

Examples of usage

  • The long grass undulated in the wind, creating a mesmerizing effect.
  • The dancer's body undulated gracefully to the rhythm of the music.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'undulating'

The word 'undulating' comes from the Latin word 'undula', meaning 'a small wave'. The concept of undulation has been present in various forms of art and nature, symbolizing movement and fluidity. From the undulating patterns in sand dunes to the undulating motions of ocean waves, this word captures a sense of graceful motion and natural beauty.

See also: undulate, undulatingly, undulation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,203, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.