Waffle: meaning, definitions and examples

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waffle

 

[ หˆwษ‘fษ™l ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

breakfast food

A waffle is a batter-based or dough-based cake cooked in a waffle iron patterned to give a characteristic size, shape, and surface impression. Waffles are widely eaten in many countries, often as a breakfast food.

Synonyms

Belgian waffle, breakfast cake, gridiron cake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waffle

This repeat entry as 'waffle' can often come up when there's a need to generalize the concept of waffles, and can be commonly used in everyday conversations and menus.

  • Would you like a waffle for dessert?
  • My favorite brunch item is definitely a waffle.
gridiron cake

This term is more archaic and not commonly used in modern conversation. It can describe a waffle due to its gridded pattern.

  • The old recipe calls for a gridiron cake with a side of bacon.
  • She remembers her grandmother making gridiron cakes on Sunday mornings.
Belgian waffle

This term is specifically used to refer to a type of waffle that has larger, deeper pockets and is often lighter and crispier than regular waffles. They are usually served as a dessert or breakfast item with toppings like whipped cream, fruit, and syrup.

  • For brunch, I had a delicious Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce.
  • The Belgian waffle is perfect for holding lots of syrup and toppings.
breakfast cake

This phrase can be used to describe a general sweet or savory cake-like dish often eaten for breakfast. It may include pancakes, waffles, or other baked goods.

  • He made a blueberry breakfast cake to enjoy with his morning coffee.
  • I prefer a breakfast cake over cereal in the morning.

Examples of usage

  • Waffles topped with syrup and fruit are a popular breakfast choice.
  • She ordered a waffle with whipped cream and strawberries.
  • The smell of freshly baked waffles filled the kitchen.
Context #2 | Verb

avoid making a decision

To waffle means to be indecisive or to avoid making a clear decision.

Synonyms

equivocate, hesitate, vacillate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waffle

Used when someone speaks or writes at length in a vague or trivial manner, often avoiding making a clear decision. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • She waffled on for hours without getting to the point
  • Politicians often waffle during debates
hesitate

Used when someone pauses or shows uncertainty before deciding or speaking. It is neutral and can apply to many situations.

  • She hesitated before giving her answer
  • If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask for help
equivocate

Appropriate in formal contexts, where someone uses ambiguous language to avoid the truth or to mislead. It generally carries a negative connotation.

  • The spokesperson equivocated when asked about the company's environmental record
  • He tends to equivocate when faced with tough questions
vacillate

Suitable in situations where someone repeatedly changes their opinions or decisions. It signifies indecision and can be seen as a weakness.

  • He vacillated between taking the job and staying at his current position
  • They vacillate so much that itโ€™s hard to follow their plans

Examples of usage

  • He waffled on whether to go to the party or stay home.
  • Stop waffling and make up your mind already!

Translations

Translations of the word "waffle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น waffle

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเฅˆเคซเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Waffel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ waffle

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะฐั„ะปั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gofr

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฏใƒƒใƒ•ใƒซ (waffuru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gaufre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gofre

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท waffle

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™€ํ”Œ (waple)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุงูู„ (wฤfil)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vafle

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vafฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŽๅคซ้ฅผ (huรก fลซ bวng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vafelj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vรถffla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฒะฐั„ะปั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ•แƒแƒคแƒšแƒ˜ (vapli)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vafli

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gofre

Etymology

The word 'waffle' originated from the Dutch word 'wafel', which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word 'wabljon', meaning honeycomb or cake. Waffles have been a popular food item for centuries, with variations found in different cultures around the world. The modern waffle iron was patented in the United States in the 1860s, leading to the widespread availability of waffles as a breakfast treat.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,909, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.