Wag Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wag

[wæɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

dog's tail

To move (a part of the body) up and down or from side to side, especially quickly and repeatedly, typically as a signal of playful or excited greeting.

Synonyms

flutter, wave, wiggle.

Examples of usage

  • He wagged his tail enthusiastically when he saw his owner.
  • The dog wagged its tail happily as it greeted the guests.
Context #2 | Noun

dog's tail

The action of moving (a part of the body) up and down or from side to side, especially quickly and repeatedly, typically as a signal of playful or excited greeting.

Synonyms

flutter, wave, wiggle.

Examples of usage

  • The dog greeted us with a friendly wag of its tail.
  • The puppy's wag was a clear sign of happiness.

Translations

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

Origin of 'wag'

The word 'wag' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'wagian' which means 'to shake, wag'. It has been used to describe the movement of a dog's tail as a sign of greeting or excitement for centuries. Over time, the word has also been extended to describe similar movements in other contexts, such as waggling a finger or wagging a tongue.


See also: wage, waggle, wagon.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,236, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.