Wavy: meaning, definitions and examples

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wavy

[ˈweɪvi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

hair style

Having a series of curves or bends; not straight.

Synonyms

curly, rippling, undulating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wavy	This is typically used to describe a smooth and gentle series of curves, often referring to hair or the sea. She has wavy hair that looks beautiful in the sunlight. The wavy lines on the map indicate the flow of the river.
curly	This word is best used to describe something with tight loops or spirals, often referring to hair or specific shapes. His curly hair is always hard to manage in the mornings. The curly tail of the pig is quite charming.
undulating	Use this word when describing a smooth, wavy motion that rises and falls, often referring to landscapes or movements. The undulating hills stretched out as far as the eye could see. The flag was undulating gently in the breeze.
rippling	This term is often used to describe small waves moving outward in a smooth, undulating pattern, especially on the surface of water. The rippling water of the pond created a calming effect. You could see the muscles rippling under his skin.

Examples of usage

She has wavy hair that falls beautifully on her shoulders.
The wavy pattern of the wallpaper adds a unique touch to the room.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

ocean

Having a rippled or undulating form or surface.

Synonyms

rippling, rolling, undulating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wavy	Used to describe a form that has gentle curves or is not straight. Often related to hair or water. She has long wavy hair The wavy path led us through the forest
rippling	Describes small waves or movements, often seen on the surface of water when disturbed. Can also describe muscles or cloth. The breeze created rippling patterns on the lake's surface He showed off his rippling muscles at the beach
undulating	Describes a smooth, wave-like motion or appearance, often used for land or other large surfaces with a flowing shape. The undulating fields gave a sense of peacefulness The dancer's body moved in an undulating rhythm
rolling	Refers to something that moves in a smooth, continuous motion, especially over a larger area. Often used for hills, waves, or landscapes. The rolling hills stretched as far as the eye could see The ship moved with the rolling waves of the sea

Examples of usage

The wavy ocean surface reflected the sunlight beautifully.
The boat struggled to navigate through the wavy waters.

^{Context #3 | Adverb}

movement

In a wavelike manner.

Synonyms

flowingly, ripplingly, undulatingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wavy	Used to describe something that has gentle curves or waves. Commonly applied to hair, lines, or patterns. She has wavy hair that falls beautifully over her shoulders The artist drew a wavy line across the page
undulatingly	Used to describe something that moves with smooth, wave-like motions. Often used for landscapes, surfaces, or movements. It might be more technical or formal. The hills rolled undulatingly into the distance The snake moved undulatingly across the desert sand
ripplingly	Used when something moves or displays a pattern similar to ripples on water. It can describe sound, light, or physical movements. This word may have a poetic or descriptive tone. The lake shimmered ripplingly under the moonlight Her laughter spread ripplingly through the quiet room
flowingly	Used to describe something that moves or changes smoothly, like liquid or a gentle motion. Often used in context with movements, writing, or speaking. She danced flowingly across the stage, captivating the audience His handwriting was flowingly elegant

Examples of usage

The flag fluttered wavy in the wind.
She danced wavy to the rhythm of the music.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the old English 'wafian', which means to wave or to flutter.
It has been used in English since the 1600s to describe both water and hair textures.

Art and Design

Wavy lines often symbolize movement and fluidity in visual arts, giving a sense of grace and dynamism.
In graphic design, wavy patterns can create a calming, organic feel that contrasts with rigid, straight lines.

Nature

Many plants, like certain varieties of grass, exhibit wavy leaves, helping them capture sunlight more efficiently.
Ocean waves are a natural example of 'wavy' in action, causing rhythmic movements on water surfaces influenced by wind.

Fashion

Wavy hairstyles have been popular across various cultures and eras, often representing elegance or casual chic.
Patterns resembling waves are commonly featured in textiles, adding texture and interest to fabrics.

Science

In physics, waves refer to oscillations that travel through space and matter, much like sound and light waves.
The concept of wavelength helps scientists understand the properties of light, sound, and other types of waves.

Translations

Translations of the word "wavy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ondulado

🇮🇳 लहरदार

🇩🇪 wellig

🇮🇩 bergelombang

🇺🇦 хвилястий

🇵🇱 falisty

🇯🇵 波状

🇫🇷 ondulé

🇪🇸 ondulado

🇹🇷 dalgalı

🇰🇷 물결 모양의

🇸🇦 متموج

🇨🇿 vlnitý

🇸🇰 vlnitý

🇨🇳 波浪形的

🇸🇮 valovit

🇮🇸 bylgjaður

🇰🇿 толқын тәрізді

🇬🇪 ტალღოვანი

🇦🇿 dalğalı

🇲🇽 ondulado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,047, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14044 programmer
14045 nightly
14046 embroidery
14047 wavy
14048 dissected
14049 laity
14050 permeable
...