wabble variant of wobble
wackily adv. in a mildly insane manner
wacky adj. (informal terms); some wacky plan for selling more books; informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
wad n. (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent; a wad of something chewable as tobacco@v. compress into a wad; wad paper into the box; crowd or pack to capacity
wadable adj. capable of being waded; a wadable stream
wadding n. any material used especially to protect something
waddle v. walk unsteadily, as of small children@n. walking with a waddling gait
wade v. walk (through relatively shallow water); Can we wade across the river to the other side?
wadeable adj. capable of being waded; a wadable stream
wader n. any of many long-legged birds that wade in water in search of food
wadi n. gully or streambed in North Africa and the Middle East that remains dry except during rainy season
wading n. walking with your feet in water
wads n. a large number or amount
wafer n. a small adhesive disk of paste; used to seal letters; a small thin crisp cake or cookie; thin disk of unleavened bread used in a religious service (especially in the celebration of the Eucharist)
waffle v. talk through one's hat@n. pancake batter baked in a waffle iron
waft n. a long flag; often tapering@v. be driven or carried along; blow gently
wafture n. the act of signaling by a movement of the hand
wag v. move from side to side, as of fingers and tails@n. (informal) a witty amusing person who makes jokes; causing to move repeatedly from side to side
wage v. as of wars, battles, or campaigns@n. something that remunerates
wager n. the act of gambling; the money risked on a gamble@v. stake money on the outcome of an issue; maintain with or as if with a bet
wagerer n. someone who bets
wages n. a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing; the wages of sin is death
waggery n. waggish behavior; a quaint and amusing jest
waggish adj. witty or joking
waggishly adv. in a waggish manner
waggishness n. waggish behavior
waggle n. causing to move repeatedly from side to side@v. move from side to side, as of fingers and tails; move unsteadily or with a weaving or rolling motion
waggon n. any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by a horse or tractor; a car that has a long body and rear door with space behind rear seat
waggoner n. the driver of a wagon
waggonwright n. a wagon maker
wagon n. any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by a horse or tractor; used by police to transport prisoners; a child's four-wheeled toy cart sometimes used for coasting; a car that has a long body and rear door with space behind rear seat
wagoner n. the driver of a wagon
wagonette n. a light wagon with two facing seats along the sides behind a cross seat in front
wagonwright n. a wagon maker
wagtail n. Old World bird having a very long tail that jerks up and down as it walks
wahoo n. upright deciduous plant with crimson pods and seeds; the eastern United States from New York to Florida and Texas; deciduous shrub having purple capsules enclosing scarlet seeds; large fast-moving predacious food and game fish; found worldwide
waif n. a homeless child especially one forsaken or orphaned
wail v. emit long loud cries; wail in self-pity,; cry weakly or softly@n. a cry of sorrow and grief
wailful adj. vocally expressing grief or sorrow or resembling such expression; wailful bagpipes
wailing adj. vocally expressing grief or sorrow or resembling such expression; wailing mourners@n. loud cries made while weeping
wain n. large open farm wagon
wainscot n. lower part of an interior wall when it is finished differently from the rest; wood panelling used to line the walls of a room
wainscoted adj. used of walls; decorated with panels or wainscoting
wainscoting n. wood panelling used to line the walls of a room
wainscotting n. wood panelling used to line the walls of a room
wainwright n. a wagon maker
waist n. the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips; the part of the shoe connecting the heel and the wide part of the sole
waistband n. a band of material around the waist that strengthens a skirt or trousers
waistcloth n. a band of material around the waist that strengthens a skirt or trousers
waistcoat n. a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
waistline n. the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
wait v. stay in one place and anticipate or expect something; I had to wait on line for an hour to get the tickets; wait before acting; look forward to the probably occurrence of; wait on tables@n. time during which some action is awaited
waiter n. a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant); a person who waits or awaits
waiting adj. being and remaining ready and available for use; waiting cars and limousines lined the curb@n. the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
waitress n. a woman waiter
waive v. do without; lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime
waiver n. a formal written statement of relinquishment
wake n. the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event); in the wake of the accident no one knew how many had been injured; the wave that spreads behind a boat as it moves forward@v. be awake, be alert, be there
wakeful adj. carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger; (of sleep) easily disturbed; a restless wakeful night
wakefulness n. a periodic state during which you are conscious and aware of the world; a temporary state in which you are unable (or unwilling) to sleep
wakeless adj. (of sleep) deep and complete; deep wakeless sleep
waken v. cause to become awake or conscious; stop sleeping
wakening n. the act of waking; it was a rude awakening
waking n. the state of being awake@adj. marked by full consciousness or alertness; worked every moment of my waking hours
waldmeister n. Old World fragrant stoloniferous perennial having small white flowers and narrow leaves used as flavoring and in sachets; widely cultivated as a ground cover; in some classifications placed in genus Asperula
wale n. a raised mark on the skin (as produced by a blow); a ridge of thick planking along the side of a wooden ship
walk n. the act of traveling by foot; (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls; manner of walking@v. use one's feet to advance; advance by steps; traverse by walking; take a person or an animal for a walk
walkabout n. a walking trip or tour; a public stroll by a celebrity to meet people informally; (Australia) nomadic excursions into the bush made by an Aborigine
walkaway n. an easy victory
walker n. a person who travels by foot; a framework with rubber feet; helps cripples to walk; a framework on wheels; helps babies learn to walk
walking adj. close enough to be walked to; walking distance; traveling by foot; a walking tour of the town@n. the act of traveling by foot; walking is a healthy form of exercise
walkingstick n. any of various mostly tropical insects having long twiglike bodies
walkout n. a strike in which the worker walk out
walkover n. backbends combined with handstands; any activity that is easy to do
walkway n. a path set aside for walking
wall v. surround with a wall in order to fortify@n. an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure; the south wall had a small window
wallaby n. any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos often brightly colored
wallah n. (India) usually in combination: person in charge of or employed at a particular thing: a kitchen wallah
wallboard n. thin sheet used to cover walls or partitions
walled adj. having or surrounded by walls or walls of a specified kind; sometimes used as a combining term; the ancient walled city of Jerico
wallet n. a case for holding paper money
walleye n. strabismus in which one or both eyes are directed outward; pike-like freshwater perches
walleyed adj. having divergent strabismus
wallflower n. any of numerous plants of the genus Erysimum having fragrant yellow or orange or brownish flowers
wallop n. a severe blow@v. hit hard; defeat soundly and utterly; We'll wallop them!
walloping adj. (used informally) very large@n. a sound defeat
wallow n. a puddle where animals go to wallow@v. devote oneself entirely to something; indulge in to an immoderate degree, usually with pleasure; wallow in your sorrows; roll around, as of a pig in mud; billow forth; as of smoke or waves
wallpaper v. cover with wallpaper@n. a decorative paper for the walls of rooms
walnut n. nut of any of various walnut trees having a wrinkled two-lobed seed with a hard shell; hard dark-brown wood of any of various walnut trees; used especially for furniture and paneling; any of various trees of the genus Juglans
walrus n. either of two large northern marine mammals having ivory tusks and tough hide over thick blubber
waltz n. music composed in triple time for waltzing; a ballroom dance in triple time with a strong accent on the first beat@v. dance a waltz
wamble v. move unsteadily or with a weaving or rolling motion
wampee n. American plant having spikes of blue flowers and growing in shallow water of streams and ponds
wampum n. small beads made from polished shells and formerly used as money by native Americans; small cylindrical beads made from polished shells and used by certain Native American peoples as jewelry
wampumpeag n. used as currency in Massachusetts
wan v. become pale and sickly@adj. (of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble; the pale (or wan) stars; abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress; her wan face suddenly flushed
wand n. a baton used by a magician or water diviner; a ceremonial or emblematic staff
wander v. wander about aimlessly; be sexually unfaithful to one's partner in marriage; turn aside esp. from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing or speaking
wanderer n. someone who leads a wandering unsettled life
wandering adj. (of groups of people) tending to travel and change settlements frequently; wandering tribes; of a path e.g.; the river followed its wandering course; having no fixed course@n. travelling about without any clear destination
wanderlust n. very strong or irresistible impulse to travel
wandflower n. a showy often-cultivated plant with tawny yellow often purple-spotted flowers
wane n. a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)@v. grow smaller; become smaller; decrease in phase
wangle n. an instance of accomplishing something by scheming or trickery@v. achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods; fake or falsify
wangling n. an instance of accomplishing something by scheming or trickery
waning n. a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent; the waning of his enthusiasm was obvious@adj. (of the moon) after full moon comes the waning moon
wank v. get sexual gratification through self-stimulation@n. slang terms for masturbation
wanly adv. in a weak or pale or languid manner; she was smiling wanly
wannabe n. an aspiring young person
wannabee n. an aspiring young person
wanness n. unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
want n. a state of extreme poverty@v. feel or have a desire for; want strongly; I want to go home now; have need of; wish or demand the presence of; I want you here at noon!; hunt or look for
wanted adj. desired or wished for or sought; couldn't keep her eyes off the wanted toy; freely permitted or invited; characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for; so good to feel wanted
wanting adj. not existing; inadequate in amount or degree; tested and found wanting
wanton v. waste time; spend one's time idly or inefficiently; indulge in a carefree or voluptuous way of life; spend wastefully; wanton one's money away; become extravagant@adj. occurring without motivation or provocation@n. lewd or lascivious woman
wantonly adv. in a wanton manner; the animals were killed wantonly for sport; in a licentious and promiscuous manner
wantonness n. the trait of lacking restraint or control; freedom from inhibition or worry; the quality of being lewd and lascivious
wapiti n. large North American deer with large much-branched antlers
war n. the waging of armed conflict against an enemy; thousands of people were killed in the war@v. make or wage war
waratah n. straggling shrub with narrow leaves and conspicuous red flowers in dense globular racemes; tall shrub of eastern Australia having obolanceolate to obovate leaves and red flowes in compact racemes
warble n. a lumpy abscess under the hide of domestic mammals caused by larvae of a botfly or warble fly@v. sing with trills; sing by changing register; sing by yodeling
warbler n. a small active songbird
warbonnet n. an Indian ceremonial headdress with a feathered extension down the back
ward n. a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another; a district into which a city or town is divided for the purpose of administration and elections@v. watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
warden n. the chief official in charge of a prison
wardenship n. the position of warden
warder n. the chief official in charge of a prison
wardership n. the position of warder
wardress n. a woman warder
wardrobe n. with rails or hooks for hanging clothes; collection of clothing belonging to one person; collection belonging to a theatrical company
wardroom n. the quarters for dining and recreation for officers of a warship (except the captain)
wardship n. guardianship; the state of being under care of a guardian
ware v. spend extravagantly; avoid dealing with@n. articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: silverware; software
warehouse n. a storehouse for goods and merchandise@v. store in a warehouse
warehouseman n. manages or works in a warehouse
warehouser n. manages or works in a warehouse
warehousing n. depositing in a warehouse
wareroom n. a room in which goods are exhibited for sale
wares n. commodities offered for sale
warfare n. the waging of armed conflict against an enemy; an active struggle between competing entities; diplomatic warfare
warfarin n. an anticoagulant (trade name Coumadin) use to prevent and treat a thrombus or embolus
warhead n. the part of a missile or torpedo that carries the explosive charge
warhorse n. a work of art (composition or drama) that is part of the standard repertory but has become hackneyed from much repetition; an experienced person; someone who has given long service; horse used in war
warily adv. in a wary manner; the sailor watched the sky warily
wariness n. the trait of being cautious and watchful
warless adj. free from war
warlike adj. inclined to make war; suggesting war or military life
warlock n. sorcerer, wizard
warlord n. supreme military leader exercising civil power in a region especially one accountable to nobody when the central government is weak
warm adj. having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat; a warm body; psychologically warm; friendly and responsive; a warm greeting@v. get warm or warmer; make warm or warmer
warmed adj. having been warmed up; a cup of warmed milk
warmer n. heats water or supplies warmth to a room
warmhearted adj. marked by warmth of feeling like kindness and sympathy and generosity; gave a warmhearted welcome to the stranger
warmheartedness n. a warmhearted feeling; a positive feeling of liking
warming adj. imparting heat; a warming fire; producing the sensation of heat when applied to the body@n. the process of becoming warmer; a rising temperature; warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt
warmly adv. in a hearty manner; We welcomed her warmly
warmness n. the quality of having a moderate degree of heat
warmonger n. a person who advocates war or warlike policies
warmongering n. a policy of advocating war
warmth n. the sensation caused by heat energy; a warmhearted feeling; the quality of having a moderate degree of heat: an agreeable warmth in the house; intense passion or emotion; a quality proceeding from feelings of affection or love
warn v. notify of danger or of a risk; admonish or counsel
warning adj. serving to warn@n. a message informing of danger; cautionary advice
warp n. a twist or aberration; especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting; a shape distorted by twisting or folding; a moral or mental distortion@v. make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story
warpath n. hostile or belligerent mood: the chief is on the warpath today; a course leading to warfare or battle
warped adj. used especially of timbers or boards; bent out of shape usually by moisture; the floors were warped and cracked
warping n. a moral or mental distortion
warplane n. a military airplane; especially one armed for combat
warragal n. Australian wild horse; wolflike yellowish-brown wild dog of Australia
warrant v. show to be reasonable; stand behind@n. an authorization allowing police to perform specified acts; formal and explicit approval; a written assurance that some product or service will be provided or will meet certain specifications
warranted adj. secured by written agreement
warrantee n. one to whom a warrant or guarantee is given
warrantor n. one who provides a warrant or guarantee to another
warranty n. a written assurance that some product or service will be provided or will meet certain specifications
warren n. a series of connected underground tunnels occupied by rabbits; an overcrowded residential area; a colony of rabbits
warrener n. maintains a rabbit warren
warrigal n. Australian wild horse; wolflike yellowish-brown wild dog of Australia
warring adj. engaged in war; belligerent (or warring) nations
warrior n. someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
warriorlike adj. (of persons) befitting a warrior
warship n. a government ship that is available for waging war
wart n. any small rounded protuberance (as on certain plants or animals); (pathology) a firm abnormal elevated blemish on the skin; caused by a virus
warthog n. African wild swine with warty protuberances on the face and large protruding tusks
wartime n. a period of time during which there is armed conflict
wartlike adj. (of skin) covered with warts or projections that resemble warts
wartweed n. not unattractive European weed whose flowers turn toward the sun
wartwort n. not unattractive European weed whose flowers turn toward the sun
warty adj. (of skin) covered with warts or projections that resemble warts
wary adj. marked by keen caution and watchful prudence; they were wary in their movements; openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
was past 1st & 3rd sing of be
wash v. clean with some chemical process; cleanse (one's body) with soap and water; cleanse with a cleaning agent, such as soap, and water; move by or as if by water; be capable of being washed@n. a thin coat of water-base paint
washable adj. capable of being washed without injury; washable woolens
washables n. garments or white goods that can be cleaned by laundering
washbasin n. a bathroom or lavatory sink that is permanently installed and supplied with water; a basin for washing the hands (`wash-hand basin' is a British term)
washboard n. corrugated surface to scrub clothes on; a broad plank along a gunwale to keep water from splashing over the side
washbowl n. a bathroom or lavatory sink that is permanently installed and supplied with water; a basin for washing the hands (`wash-hand basin' is a British term)
washcloth n. a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
washday n. a day set aside for doing household laundry
washed adj. clean by virtue of having been washed in water; wet as from washing; sometimes used in combination; rain-washed
washer n. someone who washes things for a living; a flat disk placed to prevent leakage; a home appliance for washing clothes and linens automatically
washerman n. operates industrial washing machine
washerwoman n. a working woman who takes in washing
washhouse n. a building or outbuilding where laundry is done
washing n. the work of washing or cleansing; the natural process of washing
washout n. (informal) someone who is unsuccessful
washrag n. a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
washroom n. especially a lavatory in a public place
washstand n. a table or stand to hold a basin and pitcher of water for washing: `wash-hand stand' is a British term; a bathroom or lavatory sink that is permanently installed and supplied with water
washtub n. a tub in which clothes or linens can be washed
washup n. the act of washing yourself (or another person)
washwoman n. a working woman who takes in washing
washy adj. lacking strength or vigor; a washy handshake; overly diluted; thin and insipid; washy coffee; having lost freshness or brilliance of color; washy colors
wasp n. social or solitary hymenopterans typically having a slender body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk and having a formidable sting
waspish adj. very irritable; witty and waspish about his colleagues
wassail v. celebrate noisily; engage in uproarious festivities; sing carols@n. sweetened ale or wine heated with spices and roasted apples; especially at Christmas
wassailer n. enjoys riotous drinking
wastage n. the process of wasting; anything lost by wear or waste
waste adj. disposed of as useless@n. any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted@v. spend thoughtlessly; throw away; use inefficiently or inappropriately; waste heat; get rid of; We waste the dirty water by channeling it into the sewer
wastebasket n. an open-topped container for discarded paper and other rubbish
wastebin n. a bin that holds rubbish until it is collected
wasted adj. serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being; advice is wasted words; not used to good advantage; a wasted effort; (of an organ or body part) diminished in size or strength as a result of disease or injury or lack of use
wasteful adj. inefficient in use of time and effort and materials; a clumsy and wasteful process; tending to squander and waste; laying waste
wastefully adv. to a wasteful manner or to a wasteful degree
wastefulness n. the trait of wasting resources; the wastefulness of missed opportunities; useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly
wasteland n. an uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation
wastepaper n. paper discarded as used, superfluous, or not fit for use
waster n. dissipates resources self-indulgently
wastewater n. water mixed with waste matter
wasteweir n. a channel that carries excess water over or around a dam or other obstruction
wasteyard n. a piece of land where waste materials are dumped
wasting n. a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
wastrel n. dissipates resources self-indulgently
watch v. look attentively; watch a basketball game; follow with the eyes or the mind; see or watch; observe with attention; be vigilant, be on the lookout, be on one's guard, be careful@n. a small portable timepiece
watchband n. a band of cloth or leather attached to a wristwatch and wrapped around the wrist
watchcase n. the outside metal covering of a watch
watchdog n. a dog trained to guard property
watcher n. a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind); a guard who keeps watch
watchful adj. carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger; there was a watchful dignity in the room; experiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness
watchfully adv. in a watchful manner
watchfulness n. the process of paying close and continuous attention; vigilant attentiveness
watching n. a patient look
watchmaker n. makes or repairs watches
watchman n. a guard who keeps watch
watchstrap n. a band of cloth or leather attached to a wristwatch and wrapped around the wrist
watchtower n. an observation tower for a lookout to watch over prisoners or watch for fires or enemies
watchword n. a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
water n. a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; he asked for a drink of water; the part of the earth's surface covered with water; source of water@v. pour water on; provide with water; secrete or form water, as tears or saliva
waterbird n. freshwater aquatic bird
waterborne adj. transported by water; waterborne freight; supported by water; waterborne craft
waterbuck n. any of several large African antelopes of the genus Kobus having curved ridged horns and frequenting e.g. swamps and rivers
watercannon n. a truck-mounted hose that fires water under high pressure to disperse crowds (especially crowds of rioters)
watercolor n. a work produced with watercolors; a paint with water-soluble pigments; used by artists; water-soluble pigment@v. paint with watercolors
watercolorist n. paints with watercolors
watercolourist n. paints with watercolors
watercolous n. water-soluble pigment
watercourse n. a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth; natural or artificial channel through which water flows; a conduit through which water flows
watercraft n. skill in the management of boats; a craft designed for water transportation
watercress adj. of a moderate yellow-green color that is greener and deeper than moss green and yellower and darker than pea green@n. any of several water-loving cresses; cresses that grow in clear ponds and streams
waterdog n. any of several large aquatic salamanders
watered adj. of silk fabric; having a wavelike pattern
waterfall n. a steep descent of the water of a river
waterfinder n. forked stick said to indicate underground water or oil
waterfowl n. freshwater aquatic bird
waterfront n. the area of a city (such as a harbor or dockyard) alongside a body of water
wateriness n. the property of resembling the viscosity of water
watering n. shedding tears; wetting with water; the lawn needs a great deal of watering
waterleaf n. any of several plants of the genus Hydrophyllum
waterless adj. lacking sufficient water or rainfall; a waterless well
waterlessness n. the condition of not containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water)
waterline n. a line painted on the hull of a ship to correspond with the surface of the water when the ship is afloat on an even keel
waterlogged adj. soaked with moisture; the flood left waterlogged fields
waterloo n. a final crushing defeat
waterman n. someone who drives or rides in a boat
watermark n. a line marking the level reached by a body of water; a distinguishing mark impressed on paper during manufacture; visible when paper is held up to the light
watermeal n. any of various aquatic plants of the genus Wolffia; throughout warmer regions of the world
watermelon n. an African melon; large oblong or roundish melon with a hard green rind and sweet watery red or occasionally yellowish pulp
watermint n. a European mint that thrives in wet places; has a perfume like that of the bergamot orange; naturalized in eastern North America
waterpower n. the power to do work that is latent in a head of water
waterproof adj. not permitting the passage of water@n. any fabric impervious to water; a water-resistant overcoat@v. make watertight
waterproofed adj. not permitting the passage of water
waterproofing n. the act of treating something to make it repel water; a coating capable of making a surface waterproof
waters n. the serous fluid in which the embryo is suspended inside the amnion; before a woman gives birth her waters break
watershed n. a line that divides two adjacent river systems
waterside n. land bordering a body of water
waterskin n. a container of skin for holding water
waterspout n. a tornado passing over water and picking up a column of water and mist; a heavy rain; a channel through which water is discharged (especially one used for drainage from the gutters of a roof)
watertight adj. having no leaks; not allowing water to pass in or out; without flaws or loopholes; a watertight alibi
waterway n. a navigable body of water; a conduit through which water flows
waterweed n. a weedy aquatic plant of genus Elodea
waterwheel n. a wheel with buckets attached to its rim; raises water from a stream or pond; a wheel that rotates by direct action of water; a simple water-driven turbine
waterworks n. a public utility that provides water; stores and purifies and distributes water for a community
waterworn adj. (of rocks especially) worn smooth by the action of water
watery adj. filled with water; watery soil; wet with secreted or exuded moisture such as sweat or blood or tears; filled or brimming with tears; watery eyes; relating to or resembling or consisting of water; a watery grave
watt n. a unit of power equal to 1 joule per second; the power dissipated by a current of 1 ampere flowing across a resistance of 1 ohm
wattage n. the product of voltage and current
wattle v. build of or with wattle; interlace to form wattle@n. a fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards; stakes interwoven with branches to form a fence
waul v. make high-pitched, whiney noises
wave n. one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)@v. signal with the hands or nod; move or swing back and forth; move in a wavy pattern, as of curtains
waveform n. the shape of a wave illustrated graphically by plotting the values of the period quantity against time
waveguide n. a hollow metal conductor that provides a path to guide microwaves; used in radar
wavelength n. the distance (measured in the direction of propagation) between two points in the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave; a shared orientation leading to mutual understanding; they are on the same wavelength
wavelet n. a small wave on the surface of a liquid
wavelike adj. having wrinkles or waves
waver v. pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness; be unsure or weak; move hesitatingly, as if about to give way; move in an unstable manner; move back and forth very rapidly, as of a candle@n. someone who communicates by waving
waverer n. one who hesitates (out of fear)
wavering n. indecision in speech or action; the quality of being unsteady and subject to fluctuations@adj. uncertain in purpose or action
waving n. the act of signaling by a movement of the hand@adj. streaming or flapping or spreading wide as if in a current of air; flags waving in the breeze
wavy adj. in waves; having wrinkles or waves
waw n. the 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
wawl v. make high-pitched, whiney noises
wax v. cover with wax; wax the car; go up or advance; increase in phase@n. any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water
waxberry n. deciduous shrub of western North America having spikes of pink flowers followed by round white berries; deciduous aromatic shrub of eastern North America with gray-green wax-coated berries
waxed adj. treated with wax; waxed floors
waxen adj. made of or covered with wax; waxen candles; having the paleness of wax
waxflower n. twining woody vine of Madagascar having thick dark waxy evergreen leaves and clusters of large fragrant waxy white flowers along the stems; widely cultivated in warm regions; epiphytic clusia of British_Guiana
waxflowerl n. small waxy white or pinkish-white saprophytic woodland plant having scalelike leaves and a nodding flower; turns black with age
waxing adj. (of the moon) becoming full; the waxing moon passes from new to full@n. the application of wax to a surface; a gradual increase in magnitude or extent; the waxing of the moon
waxlike adj. having the paleness of wax; the soldier turned his waxlike features toward him; resembling or covered with wax
waxmallow n. any of various plants of the genus Malvaviscus having brilliant bell-shaped drooping flowers like incompletely opened hibiscus flowers
waxwing n. brown velvety-plumaged songbirds of the northern hemisphere having crested heads and red waxy wing tips
waxwork n. twining shrub of North America having three-valved yellow capsules enclosing scarlet seeds; an effigy (usually of a famous person) made of wax
waxy adj. made of or covered with wax; careful, the floor is waxy; resembling or covered with wax; as shiny as a waxy pippin; having the paleness of wax; a thin face with a waxy paleness
waxycap n. any fungus of the family Hygrophoraceae having gills that are more or less waxy in appearance
way adv. (informal) to a great degree or by a great distance; very much; way over budget@n. a manner of performance; a way of life; how a result is obtained or an end is achieved; the true way to success; a journey or passage; they are on the way
waybill n. a receipt from the carrier for the goods being shipped
wayfarer n. walks from place to place; goes on a trip
wayfaring adj. traveling especially on foot; a poor wayfaring stranger
waylay v. wait in hiding to attack
ways n. the property of distance in general; (colloquial) he went a long ways; sloping way down to the water where ships are built or repaired@adv. n is between 2 and infinity; They split the loot four ways
wayside n. edge of a way or road or path: flowers along the wayside
wayward adj. resistant to guidance or discipline; wayward behavior
wayworn adj. wearied by traveling
we pron. used of a group that includes the speaker or writer; -- used for the singular I by sovereigns and by writers (as of editorials)
weak adj. having little physical or spiritual strength; a weak radio signal; lacking power; overly diluted; thin and insipid; weak tea; used of vowels or syllables; pronounced with little or no stress; a weak stress on the second syllable
weaken v. lessen the strength of; become weaker; destroy property or hinder normal operations; reduce the level or intensity of; lessen in force or effect
weakened adj. impaired by diminution; made weak or weaker; reduced in strength; mixed with water; used of inanimate objects or their value
weakening n. becoming weaker; the act of reducing the strength of something@adj. causing debilitation; moderating by making pain or sorrow weaker
weakfish n. lean flesh of food and game fishes of United States Atlantic coast; food and game fish of North American coastal waters with a mouth from which hooks easily tear out
weakling n. a person who is physically weak
weakly adj. lacking physical strength or vitality@adv. in a weak or feeble manner or to a minor degree; weakly agreed to a compromise
weakness n. a flaw or weak point; powerlessness revealed by an inability to act; in spite of their weakness the group remains highly active
weal n. a raised mark on the skin (as produced by a blow)
weald n. (Brit) an area of open or forested country
wealth n. the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money: great wealth is not a sign of great intelligence; the quality of profuse abundance; she has a wealth of talent
wealthily adv. with riches
wealthiness n. the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
wealthy adj. having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value; wealthy corporations
wean v. deprive (infants) of mother's milk; detach the affections of
weaned adj. freed of dependence on something especially (for mammals) mother's milk; the just-weaned calf bawled for its mother
weaning n. the act of substituting other food for the mother's milk in the diet of a child or young mammal
weapon n. weaponry used in fighting or hunting; he was licensed to carry a weapon; a means of persuading or arguing
weaponed adj. carrying weapons
weaponless adj. without a weapon
weaponry n. weapons considered collectively
wear v. be dressed in; have one one's person; have in one's aspect; wear an expression of one's attitude or personality; deteriorate through use or stress@n. impairment resulting from long use; the tires showed uneven wear
wearable adj. suitable for wear or able to be worn; wearable evening clothes
wearer n. one that wears or carries or displays something as a body covering or accessory: the wearer of the crown
wearied adj. exhausted
wearily adv. in a weary manner
weariness n. temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
wearing adj. producing exhaustion; the visit was especially wearing@n. the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it); the act of wearing
wearisome adj. so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness; other people's dreams are dreadfully wearisome
weary v. exhaust or tire though overuse or great strain or stress; get tired of something or somebody@adj. physically and mentally fatigued; `aweary' is archaic
wearying adj. producing exhaustion
weasand n. windpipe; throat
weasel n. small carnivorous mammal with short legs and elongated body and neck
weather n. the meteorological conditions: temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation; they were hoping for good weather@adj. towards the side exposed to wind@v. face or endure with courage; cause to slope; sail to the windward of
weatherability n. capability of withstanding weather; weatherability of a plastic
weatherboard n. a long thin board with one edge thicker than the other; used as siding by lapping one board over the board below; the side toward the wind
weatherboarding n. a long thin board with one edge thicker than the other; used as siding by lapping one board over the board below
weathercock n. especially a vane in the form of a rooster
weathered adj. worn by exposure to the weather; a house of weathered shingles
weatherglass n. a simple instrument for indicating changes in atmospheric pressure
weathering n. the action of the weather in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects; alteration thus effected
weatherman n. predicts the weather
weatherproof adj. able to withstand exposure to weather without damage; weatherproof electric wiring@v. make resistant to bad weather
weatherstrip v. provide with weatherstripping, as of window frames; equip with weatherstripping
weathertight adj. proof against wind and rain; weathertight storage bin
weathervane n. attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
weatherworn adj. worn by exposure to the weather
weave v. interlace as if weaving; of textiles; create a piece of cloth by interlacing strands of fabric, such as wool or cotton; sway to and fro@n. pattern of weaving or structure of a fabric
weaver n. a craftsman who weaves cloth; finch-like African and Asian colonial birds noted for their elaborately woven nests
weaverbird n. finch-like African and Asian colonial birds noted for their elaborately woven nests
weaving n. creating fabric@adj. walking unsteadily
web n. an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving; the trees cast a delicate web of shadows over the lawn; an intricate trap that entangles or ensnares its victim@v. construct or form a web, as if by weaving
webbed adj. (of the feet of some animals) having the digits connected by a thin fold of skin; having open interstices or resembling a web
webbing n. a narrow closely woven tape; used in upholstery or for seat belts; a strong fabric woven in strips
webby adj. having open interstices or resembling a web
weber n. a unit of magnetic flux equal to 100,000,000 maxwells
webfoot n. a foot having the toes connected by folds of skin
weblike adj. having open interstices or resembling a web
webworm n. several gregarious moth larvae that spin webs over foliage on which they feed
wed adj. having been taken in marriage@v. take in marriage; perform a marriage ceremony
wedded adj. having been taken in marriage
wedding n. the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed; the act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony; a party of people at a wedding
wedge v. fix, force, or implant; squeeze like a wedge into a tight space@n. any shape that is triangular in cross section
wedged adj. wedged or packed in together
wedgie n. a shoe with a wedge heel
wedgies n. a shoe with a wedge heel
wedlock n. state of being husband and wife
wee v. eliminate urine@n. (Scottish) a short time; bide a wee@adj. used informally; very small; a wee tot; very early; the wee hours of the morning
weed v. clear of weeds; weed the garden@n. any plant that crowds out cultivated plants; a strong-smelling plant from whose dried leaves a number of euphoriant and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared; the dried leaves of the hemp plant
weeded adj. having had weeds removed
weedless adj. free from weeds; a weedless garden
weeds n. a black garment (dress) worn by a widow as a sign of mourning; a black band worn by a man (on the arm or hat) as a sign of mourning
weedy adj. abounding with or resembling weeds; a weedy path; having unattractive thinness
week n. any period of seven consecutive days; it rained for a week; a period of seven consecutive days starting on Sunday; hours or days of work in a calendar week; they worked a 40-hour week
weekday adj. occurring every day of the week except Sunday (and sometimes Saturday); his weekday commute@n. any day except Sunday (and sometimes except Saturday)
weekend n. usually Friday night through Sunday@v. spend the weekend
weekender n. someone who vacations on a weekend; a small suitcase to carry clothing and accessories for a weekend trip
weekly n. a periodical that is published every week@adv. without missing a week; she visited her aunt weekly@adj. occurring or payable every week; a weekly trip to town
weeknight n. any night of the week except Saturday or Sunday
ween v. archaic; imagine, suppose
weeness n. the property of being very small in size
weenie n. a smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked; often served on a bread roll
weensy adj. used informally; very small
weeny adj. used informally; very small
weep v. shed tears because of sadness or pain
weeper n. a person who weeps; a hired mourner
weepiness n. sadness expressed by weeping
weeping n. the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)@adj. showing sorrow
weepy adj. liable to weep easily
weevil n. any of several families of mostly small beetles that feed on plants and plant products; esp. snout weevils and seed weevils
weewee n. liquid excretory product
weft n. the thread woven across the warp yarn in weaving
weigela n. deciduous shrub widely cultivated for its white or pink or red flowers
weigh v. have a certain weight; show consideration for; take into account; determine the weight of; have weight; have import, carry weight; to be oppressive or burdensome; weigh heavily on the mind,
weighbridge n. platform scale flush with a roadway for weighing vehicles and cattle etc
weighing n. careful consideration
weight v. weight down with a load@n. the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity; equipment used in calisthenic exercises and weightlifting; the relative importance granted to something; his opinion carries great weight
weighted adj. made heavy or weighted down with weariness; weighted eyelids; adjusted to reflect value or proportion; votes weighted according to the size of constituencies
weightily adv. in a serious manner; the speech was weighty and it was weightily delivered; as something very heavy; she moved weightily
weightiness n. the property of being comparatively great in weight
weighting n. (statistics) a coefficient assigned to elements of a frequency distribution in order to represent their relative importance
weightless adj. having little or no weight or apparent gravitational pull; light; floating freely in a weightless condition
weightlessness n. the property of being comparatively small in weight
weightlift v. lift weights
weightlifter n. an athlete who lifts barbells
weightlifting n. exercise by lifting weights
weighty adj. having relatively great weight; heavy; a weighty load; of great gravity or crucial import; requiring serious thought; the weighty matters to be discussed at the peace conference
weir n. a low dam built across a stream to raise its level or divert its flow; a fence or wattle built across a stream to catch or retain fish
weird adj. suggesting the operation of supernatural influences; the three weird sisters; strikingly odd or unusual
weirdie n. someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
weirdly adv. in a weird manner; she was dressed weirdly
weirdness n. strikingly out of the ordinary
weirdo n. someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric; someone deranged and possibly dangerous
weirdy n. someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
weisenheimer n. an upstart who makes conceited, sardonic, insolent comments
weka n. flightless New Zealand rail of thievish disposition having short wings each with a spur used in fighting
welcher n. someone who swindles you by not repaying a debt or wager
welcome n. the state of being welcome; don't outstay your welcome; a greeting or reception@adj. giving pleasure or satisfaction or received with pleasure or freely granted; a welcome relief@v. accept gladly; I welcome your proposals; bid welcome to
welcomed adj. gladly and cordially received or admitted
welcoming adj. very cordial; a welcoming smile@n. a greeting or reception
weld v. join together by heating, as of metals; unite closely or intimately@n. European mignonette cultivated as a source of yellow dye; naturalized in North America; a metal joint formed by softening with heat and fusing or hammering together
welder n. joins pieces of metal by welding them together
welding n. fastening two pieces of metal together by softening with heat and applying pressure
weldment n. an assembly of parts welded together
welfare n. governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need; something that aids or promotes well-being; the state of being happy and healthy and prosperous@adj. of or relating to a welfare state
welfarist adj. of or relating to a welfare state
welkin n. the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
well adj. in good health especially after having suffered illness or injury@n. a deep hole@adv. (often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner@v. come up, as of liquids: Tears well in her eyes
wellborn adj. of good or upper-class lineage; a rich and wellborn husband
wellerism n. a comparison comprising a well-known quotation followed by a facetious sequel
wellhead n. the source of water for a well; a structure built over a well
wellpoint n. a perforated tube driven into the ground to collect water from the surrounding area
wellspring n. the source of water for a well; an abundant source
welsh v. cheat by avoiding payment of a gambling debt
welsher n. someone who swindles you by not repaying a debt or wager
welt n. a raised mark on the skin (as produced by a blow); a raised or strengthened seam@v. beat severely with a whip or rod; put a welt on; of garments or shoes
welter v. toss, roll, or rise and fall in an uncontrolled way; roll around, as of a pig in mud; be immersed in, as of work@n. a confused multitude of things
welterweight adj. of a weight class of 135-147 lbs for boxers; the welterweight championship@n. a weight of 28 pounds; sometimes imposed as a handicap in a horse race (such as a steeple chase or hurdle race); a wrestler who weighs 154-172 pounds
welwitschia n. curious plant of arid regions of southwestern Africa having a yard-high and yard-wide turniplike trunk with a deep taproot and two large persistent woody straplike leaves growing from the base; living relic of a flora long disappeared
wen n. a common cyst of the skin; filled with fatty matter (sebum) that is secreted by a sebaceous gland that has been blocked
wench v. frequent prostitutes@n. informal terms for a (young) woman
wend v. direct one's course or way
went past tense of go
wept past tense of weep
were past 2nd sing, past pl. or past subjunctive of be
werewolf n. a monster able to change appearance from human to wolf
west n. the cardinal compass point that is a 270 degrees@adj. situated in or facing or moving toward the west@adv. to, toward, or in the west; we moved west to Arizona
westbound adj. moving toward the west; westbound pioneers
wester n. a wind from the west
westerly n. a wind from the west@adj. lying in or toward the west; of wind; from the west; moving toward the west@adv. toward the west; from the west; the wind blew westerly
western adj. relating to or characteristic of regions of western parts of the world; lying in or toward the west; of or characteristic of regions of the United States west of the Mississippi River@n. a sandwich made from a western omelet
westerner n. an inhabitant of a western area; especially of the U.S.
westernization n. familiarizing with or converting to customs and practices of Western civilization
westernize v. make western in character
westernmost adj. farthest to the west
westmost adj. farthest to the west
westside adj. of the western part of a city; he lives in upper westside Manhattan
westward adj. moving toward the west@adv. toward the west; they traveled westward toward the setting sun
westwards adv. toward the west
wet adj. covered or soaked with a liquid such as water; a wet bathing suit; supporting or permitting the legal production and sale of alcoholic beverages; a wet candidate running on a wet platform@v. cause to become wet@n. wetness caused by water
wetback n. ethnic slur; offensive terms for a person of Mexican descent
wether n. male sheep esp. a castrated one
wetland n. a low area where the land is saturated with water
wetness n. the condition of containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water); he confirmed the wetness of the paint
wetting n. the act of making something wet; a euphemism for urination
whack n. the act of hitting vigorously; he gave the table a whack@v. hit hard
whacked adj. (British informal) exhausted or worn out
whacker n. something especially big or impressive of its kind
whacking adv. extremely; a whacking good story@n. the act of inflicting corporal punishment with repeated blows@adj. (British informal) enormous; a whacking phone bill
whale n. a very large person; impressive in size or qualities; any of the larger cetacean mammals having a streamlined body and breathing through a blowhole on the head@v. hunt for whales
whaleboat n. a long narrow boat designed for quick turning and use in rough seas
whalebone n. a horny material from the upper jaws of certain whales; used as the ribs of fans or as stays in corsets
whaler n. a seaman who works on a ship that hunts whales; a ship engaged in whale fishing
whalesucker n. large blue Pacific remora that attaches to whales and dolphins
wham v. hit hard
whang v. beat with force; propel or hit with force, as of a ball; attack forcefully; whang away at the school reform plan@n. the act of hitting vigorously
whap v. hit hard
wharf n. a landing for docking and (un)loading ships
wharfage n. a fee charged for the use of a wharf; a landing for docking and (un)loading ships
wharfinger n. the operator or manager of a wharf
what pron. used to inquire the identity or nature of a being, an object, or some matter or situation; what is he, a salesman; what happened; that which; I know what you want; whatever 1; take what you want; what adv. in what respect; how
whatchamacallit n. miscellaneous unspecified artifacts
whatever adj. one or some or every or all without specification; give me whatever peaches you don't want
whatnot n. miscellaneous curios
whatsis n. miscellaneous unspecified artifacts
whatsoever adj. one or some or every or all without specification; no milk whatsoever is left
wheal n. a raised mark on the skin (as produced by a blow)
wheat n. annual or biennial grass having erect flower spikes and light brown grains; grains of common wheat; sometimes cooked whole or cracked as cereal; usually ground into flour
wheatear n. small songbird of northern America and Eurasia having a distinctive white rump
wheaten adj. of or relating to or derived from wheat; wheaten bread
wheatfield n. a field planted with wheat
wheatflake n. crisp flake made from wheat
wheatgrass n. a grass of the genus Agropyron
wheatworm n. small roundworm parasitic on wheat
wheedle v. influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
wheedling n. the act of urging by means of teasing or flattery
wheel v. change directions as of revolving on a pivot; wheel somebody or something@n. a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
wheelbarrow n. a cart for carrying small loads; has handles and one or more wheels
wheelbase n. the distance from the center of a car's front wheel to the rear axle
wheelchair n. a movable chair for invalids or those who cannot walk, frequently propelled by the occupant
wheeled adj. having wheels; often used in combination
wheeler n. a horse harnessed behind others and nearest the wheels of a vehicle
wheelhorse n. a horse in a position nearest the wheels in a tandem or similar arrangement; a steady and effective worker especially in a political body
wheelhouse n. an enclosed structure from which a vessel can be navigated
wheeling adj. turning about an axis@n. propelling something on wheels
wheelless adj. having no wheels or having no wheeled vehicles; dragging a wheelless stoneboat filled with rocks
wheels n. forces that provide energy and direction; the wheels of government began to turn
wheelwork n. an arrangement of wheel in a machine (especially a train of gears)
wheelwright n. someone who makes and repairs wooden wheels
wheeze n. breathing with a husky or whistling sound; a humorous anecdote or remark@v. breathe with difficulty
wheezily adv. with a wheeze; he talked wheezily
wheeziness n. presence of abnormal high-pitched sound heard with a stethoscope when an airway is blocked (as in asthma or chronic bronchitis)
wheezing adj. relating to breathing with a whistling sound
wheezingly adv. with a wheeze
wheezy adj. having a tone of a reed instrument; relating to breathing with a whistling sound
whelk n. large marine snail much used as food in Europe; large carnivorous marine gastropods of coastal waters and intertidal regions having a strong snail-like shell@v. gather whelk
whelm v. overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli
whelp v. birthe; of dogs@n. young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
whelped adj. (used of a canine) born
when adv. as soon as
whence adv. from what place or origin or source; whence did he come?
whenever conj. or adv. at whatever time
whensoever conj. at whatever time
where adv. at, in, or to what place; where is he; where did he go; the place to or in which; he knows where we went; spoke of where they'd been; at or in which; this is the dock where you get the ferry; the restaurant where we eat
whereabout adv. about where or near what place; whereabout do you live?
whereabouts adv. about where or near what place; I don't know whereabouts the border will be drawn@n. the general location where something is; I questioned him about his whereabouts on the night of the crime
whereas conj. in view of the fact that; since; when in fact; while on the contrary
whereat adv. in consequence of which; this is a statement whereat the listeners may get angry; at or toward which; we were at a party whereat there was lots of dancing
whereby adv. as a result of which; by or through which; the means whereby we achieved our goal
wherefor adv. for which reason
wherefore adv. for which reason; wherefore do I receive this honor?@n. the cause or intention underlying an action or situation esp in the phrase
wherefrom adv. from what place or origin or source
wherein adv. in regard to which; a case wherein he took an active part; in the course or during which; a period wherein he did not work; in which; where; the particular state wherein you reside; in what; wherein consists this matter?
whereof adv. of which; punishment for a crime whereof he was convicted; of what; he knows whereof he speaks
whereon adv. on which; land whereon to grow corn
wheresoever adv. in any place whatever
whereto adv. to or unto which; to which; the species whereto this name might be better applied; to what place, purpose, or end
whereunto adv. to or unto which
whereupon adv. closely following and in consequence of which; the Japanese refused to import U.S. made cellular phones whereupon the U.S. imposed strict tariffs on Japanese exports; upon which; the rock whereupon she stood; in consequence of which
wherever adv. where in the world; wherever did she get that hat; wherever conj. at, in, or to whatever place; in any circumstance in which
wherewith adv. out of, or by means of which; tools wherewith to scrape the windshield of my car
wherewithal adv. out of, or by means of which@n. the necessary means (especially financial means)
wherry n. (Brit) sailing barge used especially in East Anglia; light rowboat for use in racing or for transporting goods and passengers in inland waters and harbors
whet v. make keen or more acute; whet my appetite; sharpen by rubbing, as on a whetstone
whether conj. if; ask whether he's going; if the following be the case; ask whether or not he's going; which is the better or best course, namely; uncertain whether to go or stay; no matter if; whether you like it or not, you're going
whetstone n. a flat stone for sharpening edged tools or knives
whey n. the serum or watery part of milk that is separated from the curd in making cheese; watery part of milk produced when raw milk sours and coagulates: Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating some cuds and whey
which adj. being what one or ones out of a group; which tie should I wear; whichever; which pron. which one or ones; which is yours; which are his; he's a Swede or a Dane, I don't remember which; whichever
whichever pron. whatever one or ones; whichever adj. no matter which; whichever way you go
whichsoever pron. or adj. whichever
whicker v. characteristic of horses
whidah n. mostly black African weaverbird
whiff v. draw air audibly up the nose@n. a short light gust of air; from New England to Brazil
whiffletree n. a crossbar that is attached to the traces of a draft horse and to the vehicle or implement that the horse is pulling
while n. a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition; he was here for a little while
whilom adv. archaic; formerly; whilom adj. former; his whilom friends
whilst conj. chiefly Brit; while
whim n. a sudden desire; a whimsical idea
whimper n. a complaint uttered in a plaintive whining way@v. cry weakly or softly
whimsey n. a whimsical idea; the trait of acting more from whim or caprice than from reason or judgment
whimsical adj. determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason; the victim of whimsical persecutions
whimsicality n. the trait of acting more from whim or caprice than from reason or judgment; the trait of behaving like an imp
whimsically adv. in a fanciful manner
whimsy n. a whimsical idea; the trait of acting more from whim or caprice than from reason or judgment
whin n. very spiny and dense evergreen shrub with fragrant golden-yellow flowers; common throughout western Europe
whinberry n. erect European blueberry having solitary flowers and blue-black berries
whinchat n. brown-and-buff European songbird of grassy meadows
whine v. move with a whining sound; talk in a tearful manner; complain whiningly@n. a complaint uttered in a plaintive whining way
whiner n. a person given to excessive complaints and crying
whiney adj. habitually complaining
whining adj. long and high-pitched like a whine or plaintive crying; habitually complaining; a whining child
whiningly adv. in a whining manner
whinny n. the sound made by a horse@v. characteristic of horses
whiny adj. habitually complaining
whip n. an instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whipping@v. beat severely with a whip or rod; colloquial usage; defeat thoroughly; thrash about flexibly in the manner of a whiplash; strike as if by whipping
whipcord n. closely twisted hard cord used for the lashes of whips; a strong worsted or cotton fabric with a diagonal rib
whiplash n. an injury to the neck (the cervical vertebrae) resulting from rapid acceleration or deceleration (as in an automobile accident); a quick blow with a whip
whiplike adj. having or resembling a flagellum or flagella
whippersnapper n. someone who is unimportant but cheeky and presumptuous
whippet n. small slender dog of greyhound type developed in England
whipping adj. smart and fashionable; some sharp and whipping lines@n. beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment; a sound defeat; a stitch passing over an edge diagonally; the act of overcoming or outdoing
whippletree n. a crossbar that is attached to the traces of a draft horse and to the vehicle or implement that the horse is pulling
whippoorwill n. American nocturnal goatsucker with gray-and-white plumage
whippy adj. rebounds readily
whipsaw v. victimize, esp. in gambling or negotiations; saw with a whipsaw@n. a saw intended to be used by two people
whipscorpion n. nonvenomous arachnid that resembles a scorpion and that has a long thin stingless tail
whipsnake n. any of several fast-moving North American snakes with long whiplike tails
whipstitch n. a stitch passing over an edge diagonally
whipstitching n. a stitch passing over an edge diagonally
whiptail n. any of numerous very agile and alert New World lizards
whir v. make a soft swishing sound, as of a motor working or wings flapping@n. sound of something in rapid motion: whir of a bird's wings
whirl v. turn in a twisting or spinning motion; cause to spin; flow in a circular current, of liquids@n. confused movement; he was caught up in a whirl of work; the shape of something rotating rapidly; a usually brief attempt
whirligig n. a conical child's toy tapering to a steel-shod point on which it can be made to spin; large mechanical apparatus with seats for children to ride on@v. whirl or spin like a whirligig
whirling n. the act of rotating in a circle or spiral@adj. moving or driven rapidly in a rotary or twisting motion; a tornado's whirling winds; rotating rapidly about an axis; the whirling dance of the Dervish
whirlpool n. a powerful circular current of water (usually the resulting of conflicting tides)@v. flow in a circular current, of liquids
whirlwind n. a more or less vertical column of air whirling around itself as it moves over the surface of the Earth
whirlybird n. an aircraft without wings that obtains its lift from the rotation of overhead blades
whirr n. sound of something in rapid motion@v. make a soft swishing sound, as of a motor working or wings flapping; make a vibrant sound, as of some birds
whirring n. sound of something in rapid motion@adj. like the sound of rapidly vibrating wings
whish v. make a sibilant sound; move with a whish
whisk n. a device incorporating a coil of wires; used for whipping eggs or cream; a small short-handled broom used to brush clothes@v. move somewhere quickly; move quickly and nimbly; brush or wipe off lightly; whip; whisk the eggs
whiskbroom n. a small short-handled broom used to brush clothes
whisker n. a long stiff hair growing from the snout or brow of most mammals as e.g. a cat@v. furnish with whiskers
whiskered adj. having hair on the cheeks and chin
whiskerless adj. having no beard
whiskers n. the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
whiskery adj. having hair on the cheeks and chin
whiskey n. made from fermented mash of grain
whisky n. made from fermented mash of grain
whisper n. speaking without vibration of the vocal cords; the light noise like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind@v. speak softly; in a low voice
whispered adj. spoken in soft hushed tones (without vibrations of the vocal cords); a long whispered conversation
whisperer n. one who speaks in a whisper
whispering adj. making a low continuous indistinct sound@n. the light noise like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
whist n. a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
whistle n. the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture@v. make whistling sounds; move with, or as with, a whistling sound; utter or express by whistling; move, send, or bring as if by whistling
whistler n. makes a loud high sound; large North American mountain marmot; large-headed swift-flying diving duck of arctic regions; Australian and southeastern Asian birds with a melodious whistling call
whistlestop v. tour the country to solicit votes
whistling n. the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture; the act of whistling a tune; his cheerful whistling indicated that he enjoyed his work
whit n. a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
white n. the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black); (chess or checkers) the lighter-colored pieces@adj. being of the achromatic color of maximum lightness@v. turn white
whitebait n. minnows or other small fresh- or salt-water fish (especially herring); usually cooked whole; the edible young of esp. herrings and sprats and smelts
whitecap n. a wave that is blown by the wind so its crest is broken and appears white
whitecup n. prostrate woody South American herb with white tubular flowers often tinged with blue or rose
whiteface n. hardy English breed of dairy cattle raised extensively in United States; a clown whose face is covered with white make-up
whitefish n. (Britain) any market fish--edible saltwater fish or shellfish--except herring; flesh of salmon- or trout-like cold-water fish of cold lakes of the northern hemisphere
whitefly n. minute insect that feeds on plant juices; related to scale insects
whitehead n. a small whitish lump in the skin due to a clogged sebaceous gland
whitelash n. backlash by white racists against black civil rights advances
whiten v. turn white; This detergent will whiten your laundry
whitened adj. (of hair) having lost its color
whitener n. an agent that makes things white or colorless
whiteness n. the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
whitening n. changing to a lighter color
whiteout n. an arctic atmospheric condition with clouds over snow produce a uniform whiteness and objects are difficult to see; occurs when the light reflected off the snow equals the light coming through the clouds
whitetail n. common North American deer; tail has a white underside
whitethorn n. thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America
whitethroat n. Old World warbler similar to the greater whitethroat but smaller; grayish-brown Old World warbler with a white throat and underparts; common North American finch with a white patch on the throat and black-and-white striped crown
whitewall n. an automobile tire having white sides
whitewash v. cover up a misdemeanor; Let's not whitewash the crimes of Stallin; cover with whitewash; as of walls@n. lime and size in water; used for whitening walls and other surfaces
whitewashed adj. coated with whitewash; miles of whitewashed fences
whitewood n. light easily worked wood of a tulip tree; used for furniture and veneer
whitey n. offensive name for White person
whither adv. to what place; to what situation, position, degree, or end; whither will this drive him; to the place at, in, or to which; to which place; to whatever place
whithersoever conj. to whatever place
whiting n. flesh of a cod-like fish of European Atlantic waters; flesh of any of a number of slender food fishes especially of Atlantic coasts of North America; a small fish of the genus Sillago; excellent food fish
whitish adj. resembling milk in color or cloudiness; not clear; tending toward white
whitlavia n. desert plant of southern California with blue or violet tubular flowers in terminal racemes
whitlow n. a purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail
whitlowwort n. any of various low-growing tufted plants of the genus Paronychia having tiny greenish flowers and usually whorled leaves; widespread throughout warm regions of both Old and New Worlds
whittle v. cut small bits or pare shavings from; whittle a piece of wood
whiz v. make a soft swishing sound, as of a motor working or wings flapping@n. someone who is very highly skilled
whizbang n. a small high-velocity shell; it makes a whizzing sound followed by a bang when it hits; a firecracker that (like the whizbang shell) makes a whizzing sound followed by a loud explosion
whizz n. someone who is very highly skilled@v. make a soft swishing sound, as of a motor working or wings flapping; move along very quickly
whizzbang n. a small high-velocity shell; it makes a whizzing sound followed by a bang when it hits; a firecracker that (like the whizbang shell) makes a whizzing sound followed by a loud explosion
who pron. used to inquire the identity of an indicated person or group; who did it; who is he; who are they; the person or persons that; knows who did it
whodunit n. a story about a crime (usually murder) presented as a novel or play or movie
whoever pron. whatever person or persons; no matter who
whole adv. to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent@n. all of something including all its component elements or parts@adj. including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration
wholehearted adj. with unconditional and enthusiastic devotion; gave wholehearted support to her candidacy
wholeheartedly adv. without reserve; without reservation; he adopted wholeheartedly some of the policies that he had previously criticized
wholemeal adj. of or relating to or derived from wheat
wholeness n. an unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality; a state of robust good health
wholesale adj. selling or related to selling goods in large quantities for resale to the consumer; wholesale prices@v. sell in large quantities@adv. at a wholesale price; I can sell it to you wholesale@n. the selling of goods to merchants
wholesaler n. someone who buys large quantities of goods and resells to merchants rather than to the ultimate customers
wholesome adj. conducive to or characteristic of physical or moral well-being; wholesome attitude; sound or exhibiting soundness in body or mind; exercise develops wholesome appetites
wholesomely adv. in a wholesome manner; the papers we found shed some valuable light on this question, wholesomely contradicting all lies
wholesomeness n. the quality of being beneficial and generally good for you
wholly adv. to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent; he was wholly convinced; (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly' as in )
whom pron. objective case of who
whomever pron. objective case of whoever
whomp v. hit with the hand; beat overwhelmingly
whomsoever pron. objective case of whosoever
whoop n. a loud hooting cry of exultation or excitement@v. shout, as if with joy or enthusiasm; cough spasmodically
whoopee n. noisy and boisterous revelry
whooper n. common Old World swan noted for its whooping call
whoosh v. move with a sibilant sound; move with a whooshing sound; gush or squirt out
whop v. hit hard; hit hard
whopper n. a gross untruth; something especially big or impressive of its kind
whopping adv. extremely; they all were whopping drunk@adj. (used informally) very large
whore n. a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money@v. corrupt by lewd intercourse; have unlawful sex with a whore
whoredom n. offering sexual intercourse for pay
whorehouse n. a building where prostitutes are available
whoremaster n. a prostitute's customer; a pimp who procures whores
whoremonger n. a prostitute's customer; a pimp who procures whores
whorl n. a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles; a strand or cluster of hair; something wound in a continuous series of loops
whorled adj. like the pattern basic to the human fingerprint; in the shape of a coil; forming one or more whorls (especially a whorl of leaves around a stem)
whorlywort n. a tall perennial herb having spikes of small white or purple flowers; common in eastern North America
whortleberry n. erect European blueberry having solitary flowers and blue-black berries; blue-black berries similar to American blueberries
whose adj. of or relating to whom or which especially as possessor or possessors, agent or agents, or object or objects of an action; asked whose bag it was; whose pron. whose one or ones; whose is this car; whose are those books
whoso pron. whoever
whosoever pron. whoever
why adv. question word; what is the reason; why are you here?; (`how come' is a nonstandard variant as in )@n. the cause or intention underlying an action or situation esp in the phrase
whydah n. mostly black African weaverbird
wick n. any piece of cord that conveys liquid by capillary action; a loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws fuel by capillary action up into the flame
wicked adj. morally bad in principle or practice; having committed unrighteous acts; intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality; under wicked fire from the enemy's guns; morally bad or wrong
wickedly adv. in a wicked evil manner; act wickedly
wickedness n. morally objectionable behavior; absence of moral or spiritual values; the quality of being wicked; estrangement from god
wicker n. slender flexible branches or twigs (especially of willow or some canes); used for wickerwork; something made of interlaced slender branches (especially willow branches)
wickerwork n. something made of interlaced slender branches (especially willow branches)
wicket n. a set of three stumps topped by crosspieces; used in playing cricket; an arch used in croquet; small gate or door (especially one that is part of a larger door)
wickiup n. a lodge used by nomadic American indians in the SW US
wickup n. tall North American perennial with creeping rootstocks and narrow leaves and spikes of pinkish-purple flowers occurring in great abundance in burned-over areas or recent clearings; an important honey plant
wicopy n. deciduous shrub of eastern North America having tough flexible branches and pliable bark and small yellow flowers
wide adv. with or by a broad space; stand with legs wide apart; to the fullest extent possible; open your eyes wide@adj. having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other; wide roads; broad in scope or content; granted him wide powers
wideband adj. responding to or operating at a wide band of frequencies
widely adv. to a great degree; her work is widely known; to or over a great extent or range; far; he traveled widely; so as to leave much space or distance between; widely separated
widen v. become broader or wider or more extensive; make larger, of clothes; make wider: widen the road; extend in scope or range or area; widen the range of applications
wideness n. the property of having width
widening n. an increase in width; the act of making something wider
widespread adj. widely circulated or diffused; a widespread doctrine; distributed over a considerable extent; widespread nuclear fallout
widgeon n. freshwater duck of Eurasia and North Africa related to mallards and teals
widget n. a device that very useful for a particular job
widow v. cause to be without a spouse@n. a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
widowed adj. single because of death of the spouse
widower n. a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried
widowhood n. the time of a woman's life when she is a widow; the state of being a widow who has not remarried
widowman n. a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried
width n. the extent of something from side to side
wield v. of power or authority; handle effectively
wieldy adj. easy to handle or use or manage; a large but wieldy book
wiener n. a smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked; often served on a bread roll
wienerwurst n. a smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked; often served on a bread roll
wiesenboden n. a dark meadow soil rich in organic material; developed through poor drainage in humid grassy or sedge regions
wife n. a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
wifeless adj. having no wife
wifelike adj. of or befitting or characteristic of a wife
wifely adj. of or befitting or characteristic of a wife
wiffle n. (trade mark) a hollow plastic ball with cutouts
wig n. artificial head of human or synthetic hair; British slang for a scolding
wigeon n. freshwater duck of Eurasia and North Africa related to mallards and teals
wigged adj. wearing a wig; the judges all wigged and robed
wigging n. British slang for a scolding
wiggle v. move to and fro@n. the act of wiggling
wiggler n. one who can't stay still especially a child: the toddler was a real wiggler on plane trips; larva of a mosquito
wiggliness n. a jerky back and forth kind of mobility; he walked with the wiggliness of a child on high heels
wiggling adj. having a twisting or snake-like or worm-like motion
wiggly adj. curved or curving in and out; wiggly lines; having a twisting or snake-like or worm-like motion; wiggly worms
wight n. a human being; `wight' is an archaic term
wigless adj. not wearing a wig
wigmaker n. someone who makes and sells wigs
wigwag v. send a signal by waving a flag or a light according to a certain code; signal by or as if by a flag or light waved according to a code
wigwam n. a native American dwelling frequently having an oval shape and covered with bark or hides
wild adj. marked by extreme lack of restraint or control; wild ideas; in a natural state; not tamed or domesticated or cultivated@adv. in an uncontrolled and rampant manner@n. a wild primitive state untouched by civilization
wildcat n. an exploratory oil well drilled in land not known to be an oil field; a cruelly rapacious person@adj. outside the bounds of legitimate or ethical business practices; wildcat currency issued by irresponsible banks
wildcatter n. an oilman who drills exploratory wells in territory not known to be an oil field
wildebeest n. large African antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
wilderness n. a wild and uninhabited area
wildfire n. an raging and rapidly spreading conflagration
wildflower n. wild or uncultivated flowering plant
wildfowl n. flesh of any of a number of wild game birds suitable for food
wildlife n. all living things (except people) that are undomesticated; chemicals could kill all the wildlife
wildly adv. to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree; the storyline is wildly unrealistic; in an uncontrolled or unrestrained manner; He gesticulated wildly
wildness n. extreme emotional intensity; the wildness of his anger; the property of being wild or turbulent; a state of nature
wildwood n. a wild or unfrequented wood
wile n. the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
wilful adj. done by design; habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition; by conscious design or purpose
wilfully adv. in a willful manner
wilfulness n. the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline
wiliness n. shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
will v. be going to; indicates futurity; decree or ordain; have in mind; I will take the exam tomorrow; determine by choice@n. the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention; a fixed and persistent intent or purpose
willet n. large North American shorebird of eastern and Gulf coasts
willful adj. done by design; willful disobedience; habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition; by conscious design or purpose; a willful waste of time
willfully adv. in a willful manner; she had willfully deceived me
willfulness n. the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline
willies n. pl. a fit of nervousness; jitters
willing adj. disposed or inclined toward; a willing participant; not brought about by coercion or force; disposed or willing to comply@n. the act of making a choice
willingly adv. in a willing manner; I willingly accept
willingness n. cheerful compliance: he expressed his willingness to help
williwaw n. a sudden violent gust of cold land air common along mountainous coasts of high latitudes
willow n. any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix; a machine having a system of revolving spikes for opening and cleaning raw textile fibers
willowherb n. a plant of the genus Epilobium having pink or yellow flowers and seeds with silky hairs
willowware n. chinaware decorated with a blue-on-white chinese design depicting a willow tree and often a river
willowy adj. slender and graceful
willpower n. control of one's behavior
wilt n. any plant disease characterized by drooping and shriveling; usually caused by parasites attacking the roots; causing to become limp or drooping@v. lose strength; become limp
wilted adj. not firm; wilted lettuce
wilting n. causing to become limp or drooping
wily adj. marked by skill in deception; a wily old attorney
wimble n. hand tool for boring holes
wimp n. a person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy
wimpish adj. weak and ineffectual
wimple n. of cloth; worn over the head and around the neck and ears by medieval women
wimpy adj. weak and ineffectual
win v. be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious; win something through one's efforts; obtain advantages, such as points, etc.@n. a finish in first place (as in a race or other competition); he was happy to get the win
wince v. draw back, as with fear; make a face indicating disgust or dislike@n. the facial expression of sudden pain; a reflex response to sudden pain
wincey n. (Brit) a plain or twilled wool-and-cotton fabric used especially for warm shirts or skirts and pajamas
winceyette n. (Brit) cotton flannelette with a nap on both sides
winch n. a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds@v. pull or lift with a winch
wind v. to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course: the river winds through the hills.; extend in curves and turns@n. air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
windage n. the retarding force of air friction on a moving object; bore-to-projectile difference in diameter; exposure to the wind (as the exposed part of a vessel's hull which is responsible for wind resistance)
windbag n. talks a great deal about uninteresting topics
windblown adj. used especially of trees; growing in a shape determined by the prevailing winds
windbreak n. hedge or fence of trees designed to lessen the force of the wind and reduce erosion
windbreaker n. `windcheater' is a British term
windburn n. skin irritation caused by wind
windcheater n. `windcheater' is a British term
winded adj. breathing laboriously or convulsively
winder n. used to wind a spring-driven device (as a clock); mechanical device around which something can be wound
windfall n. a sudden unexpected piece of good fortune; fruit that has fallen from the tree
windflower n. any woodland plant of the genus Anemone grown for its beautiful flowers and whorls of dissected leaves
windily adv. in a verbose manner
windiness n. a mildly windy state of the air
winding adj. marked by repeated turns and bends; winding roads are full of surprises; of a path e.g.; a winding country road@n. the act of winding or twisting
windjammer n. a large sailing ship
windlass n. a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds
windless adj. without or almost without wind; he prefers windless days for playing golf
windlessness n. calmness without winds
windmill n. a mill that is powered by the wind; extracts usable energy from winds
window n. a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air; a transparent opening in a vehicle that allow vision out of the sides or back; usually is capable of being opened
windowpane n. a pane in a window; very thin translucent flounder of the Atlantic coast of North America
windowsill n. the sill of a window (the horizontal member at the bottom of the window frame)
windpipe n. membranous tube with cartilaginous rings that conveys inhaled air from the larynx to the bronchi
windproof adj. proof against the wind; a windproof jacket
windrow n. hay raked up into a row to dry; a row of something (as dry leaves) swept up by or as if by the wind
windscreen n. transparent (as of glass) to protect occupants of a vehicle
windshield n. transparent (as of glass) to protect occupants of a vehicle
windsock n. a truncated cloth cone mounted on a mast; used (e.g., at airports) to show the direction of the wind
windstorm n. a storm consisting of violent winds
windsurf v. ride the surf with a surfboard
windswept adj. open to or swept by wind; windswept headlands
windup adj. operated by a mechanism; windup toys@n. a concluding action
windward n. the direction from which the wind is coming@adj. on the side exposed to the wind; the windward islands@adv. away from the wind; they were sailing windward
windy adj. abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes; a windy bluff; using or containing too many words; long-winded (or windy) speakers
wine v. drink wine@n. fermented juice (of grapes especially); a red as dark as red wine
wineberry n. raspberry of China and Japan having pale pink flowers grown for ornament and for the small red acid fruits
wineglass n. a glass that has a stem and in which wine is served
winegrower n. one that cultivates a vineyard and makes wine
winemaker n. someone who makes wine
winemaking n. the craft and science of making wine
winepress n. a press that is used to extract the juice from grapes
winery n. an establishment where wine is made
wineshop n. a tavern that specializes in serving wine
wineskin n. bag made from an animal skin (usually a goatskin) and used to hold and dispense wine
winey adj. having the taste of wine
wing v. travel through the air; be airborne@n. a movable organ for flying (one of a pair); one of the horizontal airfoils on either side of the fuselage of an airplane; a stage area out of sight of the audience; a unit of military aircraft
wingback n. (football) the person who plays wingback; the position of the offensive back who lines up behind or outside the end
winged adj. having or as if having wings; the winged feet of Mercury; very fast; as if with wings; on winged feet
winger n. (soccer; hockey; rugby; football) player in wing position
wingless adj. lacking wings
winglike adj. resembling a wing in shape or position
wingman n. the pilot positions his aircraft outside and behind (on the wing of) the leader of a flying formation
wingnut n. any tree of the genus Pterocarya; fruit is a small winged nutlet; Caucasus to southeastern Asia
wings n. a means of flight or ascent; necessity lends wings to inspiration; stylized bird wings worn as an insignia by qualified pilots or air crew members
wingspan n. linear distance between the extremities of an airfoil
wingspread n. distance between the tips of the wings (as of a bird or insect) when fully extended; linear distance between the extremities of an airfoil
wingstem n. perennial herb with showy yellow flowers; the eastern United States
wink n. a very short time; closing one eye quickly as a signal@v. signal by winking; gleam or glow intermittently; briefly shut the eyes; force to go away by blinking
winker n. a leather eye-patch sewn to the side of the halter that prevents a horse from seeing something on either side
winking adj. closing the eyes intermittently and rapidly
winkle n. small edible marine snail; steamed in wine or baked; edible marine gastropod@v. emit or reflect light in a flickering manner; of stars; gleam or glow intermittently; remove or displace from a position
winless adj. having no wins; the team had a very disappointing winless season
winner n. the contestant who wins the contest; a gambler who wins a bet; a person with a record of successes
winning n. succeeding with great difficulty; just winning the shore exhausted him@adj. bringing success; the winning run; having won; the winning team; very attractive; capturing interest; a winning personality
winnings n. something won (especially money)
winnow n. the act of winnowing@v. separate from chaff; of grain; blow on; separate wheat from chaff; treat by exposure to a current of air so that waste matter is eliminated, as of grain; remove by a current of air, as of chaff
winnowing n. the act of winnowing
winsome adj. charming in a childlike or naive way
winsomely adv. in an engaging manner
winsomeness n. childlike charm or appeal
winter v. spend the winter@n. the coldest season of the year@adj. occurring in or appropriate to the season of winter; winter winds
winterberry n. deciduous shrub of southeastern and central United States
wintergreen n. any of several evergreen perennials of the genus Pyrola; creeping shrub of eastern North America having white bell-shaped flowers followed by spicy red berrylike fruit and shiny aromatic leaves that yield wintergreen oil
winterize v. prepare for winter; winterize cars
wintertide n. the season of winter; wintertime
wintertime n. the coldest season of the year
wintery adj. characteristic of or occurring in winter
wintry adj. characteristic of or occurring in winter; suffered severe wintry weather; devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain; wintry smile
winy adj. having the taste of wine; a rich winy taste
wipe v. rub with a wiping motion; wipe out or make dim@n. the act of rubbing or wiping
wiper n. a conducting arm that rotates over a series of contacts and comes to rest on an outlet; a mechanical device that cleans the windshield
wire n. made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc; a metal conductor that carries electricity over a distance@v. provide with electrical circuits, as of a house or a car; send cables, wires, or telegrams; fasten with wire
wired adj. equipped with wire or wires especially for electric or telephone service; a well-wired house; (informal) tense with excitement as from a rush of adrenaline; tied or bound with wire; wired bundles of newspapers
wiredraw v. to draw (metal) into wire; to draw or spin out to great length, tenuity, or overrefinement
wirehair n. a terrier with wiry hair
wirehaired adj. having a stiff wiry outer coat of hair
wireless adj. having no wires; a wireless security system@n. medium for communication; transmission by radio waves; an electronic device that detects and demodulates and amplifies transmitted signals
wiretap n. the act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information@v. tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information
wirework n. netting made of wires
wireworm n. wormlike larva of various elaterid_beetles; feeds on roots of many crop plants
wiring n. a circuit of wires for the distribution of electricity; the work of installing the wires for an electrical system or device
wiry adj. lean and sinewy
wisdom n. accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment; the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight; ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight
wise n. a way of doing or being: in no wise@adj. having or prompted by wisdom or discernment; a wise leader; marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters; a wise decision
wiseacre n. an upstart who makes conceited, sardonic, insolent comments
wisecrack n. witty remark@v. make a comment, usually ironic
wisely adv. in a wise manner; she acted wisely when she invited her parents
wiseness n. the quality of being prudent and sensible; the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight
wisenheimer n. an upstart who makes conceited, sardonic, insolent comments
wisent n. European bison having a smaller and higher head than the North American bison
wish n. a specific feeling of desire; he got his wish; an expression of some desire or inclination@v. hope for; have a wish; I wish I could go home now; prefer or wish to do something; have in mind; make or express a wish
wishbone n. the furcula of a domestic fowl
wishful adj. seeking advancement or recognition
wishfully adv. in a wishful manner; he wishfully indulged in dreams of fame
wishfulness n. an unrealistic yearning
wishing n. a specific feeling of desire; he was above all wishing and desire
wisp n. a small tuft or lock; a small person; a mere wisp of a girl; a small bundle of straw or hay; a flock of snipe
wisplike adj. thin and weak
wispy adj. thin and weak; lacking clarity or distinctness; a few wispy memories of childhood
wistaria n. any flowering vine of the genus Wisteria
wisteria n. any flowering vine of the genus Wisteria
wistful adj. full of longing or unfulfilled desire; those wistful little ads that the lovelorn place in the classifieds; showing pensive sadness; the sensitive and wistful response of a poet to the gentler phases of beauty
wistfully adv. in a wistful manner; his sister would have looked beautiful in that dress, he thought wistfully, just like an angel
wistfulness n. a sadly pensive longing
wit n. a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter; mental ability; (informal) a witty amusing person who makes jokes
witch v. cast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something@n. a female sorcerer or magician; a being (usually female) imagined to have special powers derived from the devil; an ugly evil-looking old woman
witchcraft n. the art of sorcery
witchery n. the art of sorcery
witchgrass n. North American grass with slender brushy panicles; often a weed on cultivated land; European grass spreading rapidly by creeping rhizomes; naturalized in North America as a weed
witching adj. possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers
witchlike adj. being or having the character of witchcraft
witenagemot n. an Anglo-Saxon council of nobles, prelates, and officials to advise the king on administrative and judicial matters
witenagemote n. an Anglo-Saxon council of nobles, prelates, and officials to advise the king on administrative and judicial matters
with prep. against; a fight with his wife; in mutual relation to; talk with a friend; as regards; toward; patient with children; compared to; on equal terms with another; in support of; I'm with you all the way; in the opinion of
withal adv. despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession); together with this
withdraw v. pull back or move away or backward; withdraw from active participation; release from something that holds fast. connects, or entangles; call back (of faulty goods); take back what one has said; keep away from others
withdrawal n. a retraction of a previously held position; the act of taking out money or other capital; the act of withdrawing; avoiding emotional involvement; formal withdrawal or separation from an alliance or federation
withdrawing adj. forced withdrawal; pursued the withdrawing redcoats
withdrawn adj. withdrawn from society; seeking solitude; tending to reserve or introspection
withdrawnness n. a disposition to be distant and unsympathetic in manner
withe n. band or rope made of twisted twigs or stems; strong flexible twig
wither v. wither, esp. with a loss of moisture; lose freshness, vigor, or vitality
withered adj. lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness; he did well despite his withered arm; (used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture; withered vines
withering adj. wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction; the guns opened a withering fire; making light of@n. any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
witheringly adv. in a withering manner; guns fired witheringly at the railroad cars
withers n. sensibility to trouble (as in the phrase wring one's withers); the lawsuit was wringing his withers; the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of various animals especially draft animals
witherso adv. to whatever place
withersoever adv. to whatever place
withhold v. hold back; refuse to hand over; retain and refrain from disbursing; of payments
withholding n. the act of deducting (taxes) from an employee's salary; income tax withheld from employees' wages and paid directly to the government by the employer
within adv. on the inside
without prep. at, to, or on the outside of; without the gate; out of the limits of; lacking; he's without hope; unaccompanied or unmarked by; spoke without thinking; took his punishment without flinching; without adv. on the outside; externally
withstand v. resist or confront with resistance; stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something
withy n. strong flexible twig
witless adj. (of especially persons) lacking sense or understanding or judgment
witloof n. widely cultivated herb with leaves valued as salad green; either curly serrated leaves or broad flat ones that are usually blanched; young broad-leaved endive plant deprived of light to form a narrow whitish head
witness n. someone who sees an event and tells what happened; a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)@v. be a witness to; perceive with any or all of one's senses
witnessed adj. affirmed as true by a witness
witted adj. having wit or understanding; dull-witted
witticism n. a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
wittily adv. in a witty manner; he would wittily chime into our conversation
wittiness n. a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
witting adj. aware or knowing; a witting tool of the Communists; intentionally conceived
wittingly adv. with full knowledge and deliberation; he wittingly deleted the references
witty adj. combining clever conception and facetious expression; his sermons were unpredictably witty and satirical as well as eloquent
wive v. take (someone) as a wife; marry a woman, take a wife; provide with a wife; marry (someone) to a wife
wivern n. a fire-breathing dragon used in medieval heraldry; had the head of a dragon and the tail of a snake and a body with wings and two legs
wives pl. of wife
wiz n. someone who is very highly skilled
wizard adj. possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers; wizard wands@n. someone who is very highly skilled; one who practices magic or sorcery
wizardly adj. possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers; wizardly powers
wizardry n. exceptional creative ability
wizen adj. lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
wizened adj. lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness; a wizened little man with frizzy gray hair
woad n. a blue dyestuff obtained from the woad plant; any of several herbs of the genus Isatis
woadwaxen n. small Eurasian shrub having clusters of yellow flowers that yield a dye; common as weed in England and United States; sometimes grown as an ornamental
wobble v. move unsteadily; move sideways or in an unsteady way, as of a ship or a vehicle out of control; tremble or shake@n. a rocking motion
wobbler n. something that wobbles
wobbling adj. (of sound) fluctuating unsteadily; a low-pitched wobbling sound
wobbly adj. inclined to shake as from weakness or defect; a wobbly chair with shaky legs
woe n. misery resulting from affliction; intense mournfulness
woebegone adj. worn and broken down by hard use; a woebegone old shack; affected by or full of grief or woe
woeful adj. affected by or full of grief or woe; of very poor quality or condition; woeful treatment of the accused
woefully adv. in an unfortunate or deplorable manner; it was woefully inadequate
woefulness n. intense mournfulness
wok n. pan with a convex bottom, used for frying in Chinese cooking
woke past tense of wake
woken past part of wake
wold n. a tract of open rolling country (especially upland)
wolf v. gulp down@n. any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs; a man who is aggressive in making amorous advances to women; a cruelly rapacious person
wolfbane n. poisonous Eurasian perennial herb with broad rounded leaves and yellow flowers and fibrous rootstock
wolffish n. large ferocious northern deep-sea food fishes with strong teeth and no pelvic fins; large elongate scaleless oceanic fishes with sharp teeth and a long sail-like dorsal fin
wolfhound n. the largest breed of dogs; formerly used to hunt wolves
wolfish adj. resembling or characteristic (or considered characteristic) of a wolf; wolfish rapacity; devouring or craving food in great quantities
wolflike adj. resembling or characteristic (or considered characteristic) of a wolf; ran in wolflike packs
wolfman n. a monster able to change appearance from human to wolf
wolfram n. a heavy gray-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite
wolframite n. a mineral consisting of iron-manganese tungstate in crystalline form; the principal ore of tungsten; found in quartz veins associated with granitic rocks
wolfsbane n. poisonous Eurasian perennial herb with broad rounded leaves and yellow flowers and fibrous rootstock
wolverine n. wolverine of northern Eurasia; stocky shaggy-coated North American carnivorous mammal
woman n. an adult female person (as opposed to a man); the woman kept house while the man hunted; women as a class; woman is the glory of creation; a human female who does housework
womanhood n. the state of being a woman; womanly qualities; women as a class; it's an insult to American womanhood
womaniser n. a man who likes many women and has short sexual relationships with them
womanish adj. having characteristics associated with women and considered undesirable in men; womanish tears
womanishness n. the trait of being effeminate (derogatory of a man)
womanize v. have amorous affairs; of men
womanizer n. a man who likes many women and has short sexual relationships with them
womankind n. women as distinguished from men
womanlike adj. resembling a woman; a womanlike stone image@n. the trait of being womanly; having the characteristics of an adult female
womanliness n. the trait of being womanly; having the characteristics of an adult female
womanly adj. befitting or characteristic of a woman especially a mature woman; womanly virtues of gentleness and compassion
womb n. a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females; contains the developing fetus
wombat n. burrowing herbivorous Australian marsupials about the size of a badger
women n. pl. of woman
womenfolk n. pl. women
womenfolks n. pl. women
won n. the basic unit of money in South Korea; the basic unit of money in North Korea@adj. not subject to defeat; with that move it's a won game
wonder n. the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising; something that causes feelings of wonder@v. have a wish or desire to know something; place in doubt or express doubtful speculation; I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
wonderberry n. improved garden variety of black nightshade having small edible orange or black berries
wonderful adj. extraordinarily good; used especially as intensifiers
wonderfully adv. (used as an intensifier) extremely well
wonderfulness n. admirable excellence
wondering adj. showing curiosity
wonderingly adv. in a curious and questioning manner
wonderland n. a place or scene of great or strange beauty or wonder; an imaginary realm of marvels or wonders
wonderment n. the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
wonderworking adj. performing or able to perform wonders or miracles
wondrous adj. extraordinarily good; used especially as intensifiers@adv. (used as an intensifier) extremely well
wondrously adv. (used as an intensifier) extremely well; the colors changed wondrously slowly
wonk n. a student who studies excessively
wonky adj. turned or twisted toward one side; inclined to shake as from weakness or defect; the bridge still stands though one of the arches is wonky
wont n. an established custom; a pattern of behavior acquired through frequent repetition
wonted adj. commonly used or practiced; usual; with her wonted candor
wonton n. Chinese dumpling filled with spiced minced pork; usually served in soup; a soup with won ton dumplings
woo v. seek someone's favor; make amorous advances towards
wood adj. concerning or dwelling or situated in a wood; a wood nymph; made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood@n. the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
woodbine n. common North American vine with compound leaves and bluish-black berrylike fruit; European twining honeysuckle with fragrant red and yellow-white flowers
woodborer n. any of various insects or larvae or mollusks that bore into wood
woodcarver n. makes decorative wooden panels
woodcarving n. a piece of art created by carving wood
woodchopper n. one engaged especially in chopping down trees
woodchuck n. reddish_brown North American marmot
woodcock n. game bird of the sandpiper family that resembles a snipe
woodcraft n. skill and experience in matters relating to the woods (as hunting or fishing or camping); skill in carving or fashioning objects from wood
woodcreeper n. any of numerous South and Central American birds with a curved bill and stiffened tail feathers that climb and feed like woodpeckers
woodcut n. a print made from a woodcut; a block of wood with a design cut into it; used to make prints
woodcutter n. cuts down trees and chops wood as a job
wooded adj. covered with growing trees and bushes etc; wooded land
wooden adj. made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood; a wooden box; lacking ease or grace; the actor's performance was wooden; a wooden smile
woodenly adv. without grace; rigidly; they moved woodenly
woodenware n. articles made of wood for domestic use
woodfern n. any of various ferns of the genus Dryopteris
woodfrog n. wide-ranging light-brown frog of moist North American woodlands esp. spruce
woodgrain n. texture of fibers in wood
woodgraining n. a texture like that of wood
woodhewer n. any of numerous South and Central American birds with a curved bill and stiffened tail feathers that climb and feed like woodpeckers
woodland n. land that is covered with trees and shrubs
woodlet n. a small cultivated wood without undergrowth
woodlot n. a relatively small area of trees kept usually to meet fuel and timber needs; a farm woodlot
woodlouse n. any of various small terrestrial isopods having a flat elliptical segmented body; found in damp habitats
woodman n. someone who lives in the woods; makes things out of wood
woodnote n. a sound or call (as of a bird) natural in a wood
woodpecker n. bird with strong claws and a stiff tail adapted for climbing and a hard chisel-like bill for boring into wood for insects
woodpile n. a pile or stack of wood to be used for fuel
woodrat n. any of various small short-tailed rodents of the northern hemisphere having soft fur gray above and white below with well-furred tails and large ears; some are hosts for Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis (Lyme disease ticks)
woodruff n. Old World fragrant stoloniferous perennial having small white flowers and narrow leaves used as flavoring and in sachets; widely cultivated as a ground cover; in some classifications placed in genus Asperula; any plant of the genus Asperula
woods adj. concerning or dwelling or situated in a wood; woods animals@n. the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
woodscrew n. a metal screw that tapers to a point so that it can be driven into wood with a screwdriver
woodshed n. a shed for storing firewood or garden tools
woodsia n. any fern of the genus Woodsia
woodsman n. someone who lives in the woods; makes things out of wood
woodsy adj. characteristic or suggestive of woods; a fresh woodsy fragrance; abounding in trees; violets in woodsy shady spots
woodwaxen n. small Eurasian shrub having clusters of yellow flowers that yield a dye; common as weed in England and United States; sometimes grown as an ornamental
woodwind n. any wind instrument other than the brass instruments
woodwork n. work made of wood; especially moldings or stairways or furniture; the craft of a carpenter: making things out of wood
woodworker n. makes things out of wood
woodworking n. the craft of a carpenter: making things out of wood
woodworm n. a larva of a woodborer
woody adj. made of or containing or resembling wood; woody plants; abounding in trees; a woody area near the highway; made hard like wood as the result of the deposition of lignin in the cell walls
woodyard n. a yard for storing or sawing wood
wooer n. a man who courts a woman
woof n. the thread woven across the warp yarn in weaving
woofer n. a loudspeaker that reproduces lower audio frequency sounds
wooing n. a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
wool n. a fabric made from the hair of sheep; fiber sheared from animals (such as sheep) and twisted into yarn for weaving; outer coat of esp. sheep and yaks
woolen adj. of or related to or made of wool; a woolen sweater@n. a fabric made from the hair of sheep
woolgather v. have a daydream; indulge in a fantasy
woolgatherer n. someone who indulges in idle or absent-minded daydreaming
woolgathering n. an idle indulgence in fantasy@adj. dreamy in mood or nature; a woolgathering moment
woollen n. a fabric made from the hair of sheep@adj. of or related to or made of wool
woolly adj. having a fluffy character or appearance; confused and vague; used especially of thinking; woolly thinking; covered with dense often matted or curly hairs; woolly lambs
woolsack n. a sack of or for wool; the seat of the Lord Chancellor in the House of Lords
wooly adj. having a fluffy character or appearance; confused and vague; used especially of thinking; covered with dense often matted or curly hairs
woozy adj. having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling; feeling woozy from the blow on his head
wop n. ethnic slur; offensive terms for a person of Italian descent
word v. put into words or an expression@n. a unit of language that native speakers can identify; a brief statement; he didn't say a word about it; new information about specific and timely events; a promise; he gave his word
wordbook n. a reference book containing words (usually with their meanings)
wordily adv. in a verbose manner
wordiness n. boring verboseness
wording n. the manner in which something is expressed in words
wordless adj. expressed without speech; especially because words would be inappropriate or inadequate
wordlessly adv. without speaking
wordplay n. a humorous play on words
words n. the words that are spoken; I listened to his words very closely; the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number; he wrote both words and music; language that is spoken or written; he has a gift for words
wordsmith n. a fluent and prolific writer
wordy adj. use of more words than required to express an idea; a wordy gossipy account of a simple incident; using or containing too many words; newspapers of the day printed long wordy editorials
wore past tense of wear
work n. activity directed toward making or doing something@v. exert oneself by doing mental or physical work; be employed; have a desired effect; do the trick; This method doesn't work
workable adj. capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
workaday adj. found in the ordinary course of events
workbag n. container for holding implements and materials for work (especially for sewing)
workbasket n. container for holding implements and materials for work (especially for sewing)
workbench n. a strong work table for a carpenter or mechanic
workboard n. a horizontal board that provides a supported surface for manual work
workbook n. a student's book or booklet containing problems with spaces for solving them
workbox n. container for holding implements and materials for work (especially for sewing)
workday n. a day on which work is done; the amount of time that a worker must work for an agreed daily wage
worker n. a person who works at a specific job; he is a good worker; a member of the working class (not necessarily employed); sterile member of a colony of social insects that forages for food and cares for the larvae
workfellow n. an associate you work with
workforce n. the force of workers available
workhorse n. a horse used for plowing and hauling and other heavy labor
workhouse n. (Brit) a poorhouse where able-bodied poor are compelled to labor; a county jail that holds prisoners for periods up to 18 months
working adj. actively engaged in paid work; the working population; adequate for practical use; especially sufficient in strength or numbers to accomplish something@n. a mine or quarry that is being or has been worked
workingman n. one who works for wages usually at manual labor or in industry
workings n. the internal mechanism of a device; a mine or quarry that is being or has been worked
workload n. work that a person is expected to do in a specified time
workman n. an employee who performs manual or industrial labor
workmanlike adj. worthy of a good workman; the book is a workmanlike job with chronology and bibliography and index
workmanship n. skill in an occupation or trade
workmate n. a fellow worker
workout n. the activity of exerting you muscles in various was to keep fit
workpiece n. a piece of metal being machined
workplace n. a place where work is done
workroom n. room where work is done
works n. buildings for carrying on industrial labor; everything available; usually preceded by `the'; a hotdog with the works; performance of moral or religious acts; or the reward for good works; the internal mechanism of a device
worksheet n. a sheet of paper with multiple columns; used by an accountant to assemble figures for financial statements; a piece of paper recording work planned or done on a project
workshop n. small establishment where handcrafts or manufacturing are done; a brief intensive course for a small group; emphasizes problem solving
workspace n. space allocated for your work (as in an office)
workstation n. a desktop computer that is conventionally considered to be more powerful than a microcomputer
worktable n. a table designed for a particular task
workweek n. hours or days of work in a calendar week
world adj. involving the entire earth; not limited or provincial in scope@n. all of the inhabitants of the earth; all the world loves a lover; everything that exists anywhere; all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
worldliness n. the quality or character of being intellectually sophisticated through cultivation or experience or disillusionment
worldling n. a person absorbed in the affairs and pleasures of the present world
worldly adj. characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world; worldly goods and advancement; very sophisticated especially because of surfeit; versed in the ways of the world; the benefits of his worldly wisdom
worldwide adj. spanning or extending throughout the entire world; worldwide distribution; involving the entire earth; not limited or provincial in scope; of worldwide significance; of worldwide scope or applicability
worm n. any of numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla Annelida and Chaetognatha and Nematoda and Nemertea and Platyhelminthes; also many insect larvae@v. move with slow, sinuous movements
wormcast n. cylindrical mass of earth voided by a burrowing earthworm or lugworm; fossil trail of a worm
wormfish n. poorly known family of small tropical shallow-water fishes related to gobies
wormhole n. hole made by a burrowing worm
wormlike adj. totally submissive
wormseed n. rank-smelling tropical American pigweed
wormwood n. any of several low composite herbs of the genera Artemisia or Seriphidium
wormy adj. eaten (or as if eaten) by worms; totally submissive
worn adj. affected by wear; damaged by long use; worn threads on the screw; showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering; looking careworn as she bent over her mending
worried adj. afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief; worried parents
worriedly adv. in a worried manner; `I wonder what to do,' she said worriedly
worrier n. thinks about unfortunate things that might happen
worriment n. a difficulty that causes anxiety
worrisome adj. not reassuring; tending to cause anxiety; causing distress or worry or anxiety; in a particularly worrisome predicament
worry v. be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy; be concerned with; I worry about my grades; disturb the peace of mind of; think moodily or anxiously about something@n. something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness
worrying n. the act of harassing someone; the act of moving something by repeated tugs or pushes; vigorous worrying finally loosened the saw@adj. causing distress or worry or anxiety; a worrying situation
worryingly adv. in a manner to cause worry
worrywart n. thinks about unfortunate things that might happen
worse n. something inferior in quality or condition or effect: for better or for worse@adv. (comparative of `ill') in a less effective or successful or desirable manner@adj. (comparative of `bad') inferior to another in quality or condition
worsen v. grow worse; make worse
worsened adj. changed for the worse in health or fitness; made or become worse; impaired; troubled by the worsened economic conditions
worsening n. process of changing to an inferior state; changing something with the result that it becomes worse@adj. changing for the worse; worried by the worsening storm
worship v. love unquestioningly and uncritically; show religious devotion to, as of a deity; Many Hindus worship Shiva; attend religious services; They worship in the traditional manner@n. the activity of worshipping
worshiper n. admires too much to recognize faults; a person who has religious faith
worshipful adj. showing adoration; showing great reverence for god
worshiping adj. that is at worship; a worshiping group
worshipped adj. regarded with deep or rapturous love (especially as if for a god)
worshipper n. a person who has religious faith; admires too much to recognize faults
worshipping adj. that is at worship
worst n. the least favorable outcome; the worst that could happen@adj. (superlative of `bad') most wanting in quality or value or condition; the worst player on the team@adv. to the highest degree of inferiority or badness@v. colloquial usage
worsted n. a woolen fabric with a hard close-textured surface and no nap, woven of worsted yarns; a tightly twisted woolen yarn
wort n. usually used in combination: `liverwort'; `milkwort'; `whorlywort'; unfermented or fermenting malt
worth adj. having sufficient worth; an idea worth considering; (often used ironically); having a specified value; not worth his salt@n. an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value; 10 dollars worth of gasoline
worthful adj. having worth or merit or value; a good and worthful man
worthily adv. in a worthy manner; with worthiness
worthiness n. the quality or state of having merit or value
worthless adj. lacking in excellence or value; a worthless idler
worthlessly adv. in a worthless manner
worthlessness n. having no qualities that would render it valuable or useful; the drill sergeant's intent was to convince all the recruits of their worthlessness; the quality of being without practical use
worthwhile adj. sufficiently valuable to justify the investment of time or interest; a worthwhile book
worthwhileness n. value sufficient to repay time or effort spent
worthy adj. having worth or merit or value; being honorable or admirable; a worthy fellow; worthy of being chosen especially as a spouse; meriting respect or esteem; the worthy gentleman; having high moral qualities@n. word is often used humorously
would v. expresses conditionality or possibility; I would accept the offer if you upped the salary a bit
wound adj. put in a coil@v. cause injuries or bodily harm to; hurt the feelings of@n. any break in the skin or an organ caused by violence or surgical incision; a casualty to military personnel resulting from combat; the act of inflicting a wound
wounded n. people who are wounded; they had to leave the wounded where they fell@adj. suffering from physical injury especially that suffered in battle; nursing his wounded arm; suffering from emotional injury; to salve her wounded feelings
wounding adj. causing physical or especially psychological injury; wounding and false charges of disloyalty@n. the act of inflicting a wound
wove past tense of weave
woven adj. made or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole; woven fabrics
wow n. a joke that seems extremely funny@v. impress greatly
wrack n. dried seaweed esp. that cast ashore; the destruction or collapse of something; wrack and ruin; growth of marine vegetation esp. of the large forms such as rockweeds and kelp@v. smash or break forcefully
wraith n. a mental representation of some haunting experience
wraithlike adj. lacking in substance; a wraithlike column of smoke
wrangle v. to quarrel noisily, angrily or disruptively: The bar keeper threw them out, but they continued to wrangle on down the street.@n. an angry dispute; an instance of intense bargaining
wrangler n. someone who argues noisily or angrily; a cowboy who takes care of the saddle horses
wrangling n. an instance of intense bargaining
wrap v. arrange or fold as a cover or protection; wrap the baby before taking her out; wrap around, move around; enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering@n. an outer garment that is folded or wrapped around a person
wraparound n. a garment (as a dress or coat) with a full length opening; adjusts to the body by wrapping around
wrapped adj. covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak; cloud-wrapped peaks; wholly absorbed as in thought; enwrapped in dreams; enclosed securely in a covering of paper or the like; gaily wrapped gifts
wrapper n. a loose dressing gown for women; a paper jacket for a book; a jacket on which promotional information is printed; the covering (usually paper or cellophane) in which something is wrapped
wrapping n. the covering (usually paper or cellophane) in which something is wrapped; an enveloping bandage
wrasse n. chiefly tropical marine fishes with fleshy lips and powerful teeth; usually brightly colored
wrath n. intense anger (usually on an epic scale); belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong (personified as one of the deadly sins)
wrathful adj. vehemently incensed and condemnatory; they trembled before the wrathful queen
wrathfully adv. in a wrathful manner; he looked at her, not wrathfully now, but quizzically
wrawl v. cry loudly, as of animals
wreak v. cause to happen or to occur as a consequence; wreak havoc
wreath v. encircle with or as if with a wreath@n. a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
wreathe v. move with slow, sinuous movements; encircle with or as if with a wreath; decorate or deck with wreathes; wreathe the grave site; form into a wreath
wreathed adj. adorned or crowned with a circlet; sometimes used as combining forms; wreathed in an extraordinary luminescence
wreck n. something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation; the house was a wreck when they bought it; an accident that destroys a ship at sea; a serious accident (usually involving one or more vehicles)@v. smash or break forcefully
wreckage n. the remains of something that has been wrecked; they searched the wreckage for signs of survivors
wrecked adj. destroyed in an accident; a wrecked ship
wrecker n. someone who demolishes or dismantles buildings as a job; someone who commits sabotage
wreckfish n. brown fish of the Atlantic and Mediterranean found around rocks and shipwrecks
wrecking n. the event of a structure being completely demolished and leveled; destruction achieved by wrecking something
wren n. and of several small active brown birds of the northern hemisphere with short upright tails; they feed on insects
wrench v. twist or pull violently or suddenly, esp. so as to remove (something) from that to which it is attached; wrench a window off its hinges; wrench oneself free from somebody's grip@n. a sharp strain on muscles or ligaments
wrenching adj. causing great physical or mental suffering; a wrenching pain
wrest v. take away with force; seize forcibly or violently; wrest the knife from his hands
wrestle n. the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat@v. combat to overcome an opposing tendency or force; engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate; to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (esp. when struggling)
wrestler n. tries to throw opponent to the ground
wrestling n. the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat; we watched his grappling and wrestling with the bully; the sport of hand-to-hand struggle between unarmed contestants who try to throw each other down
wretch n. performs some wicked deed; someone you feel sorry for
wretched adj. of very poor quality or condition; characterized by physical misery; spent a wretched night on the floor; very unhappy; full of misery; wretched prisoners huddled in stinking cages; deserving or inciting pity; a wretched life
wretchedly adv. in a wretched manner; `I can't remember who I am,' I said, wretchedly
wretchedness n. a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune; the misery and wretchedness of those slums is intolerable
wrick v. twist suddenly so as to sprain@n. a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back (`rick' and `wrick' are British)
wriggle v. to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (esp. when struggling); The child tried to wriggle free from his aunt's embrace.@n. the act of wiggling
wriggler n. one who can't stay still especially a child; larva of a mosquito
wriggling adj. having a twisting or snake-like or worm-like motion
wriggly adj. having a twisting or snake-like or worm-like motion
wright n. someone who makes or repairs something (usually used in combination)
wring v. twist and press out of shape; twist and compress, as if in pain or anguish; obtain by coercion or intimidation@n. a twisting squeeze: gave the wet cloth a wring
wringer n. a clothes dryer consisting of two roles between which the wet clothes are squeezed
wrinkle v. gather or contract into wrinkles or folds; pucker; make wrinkles or creases into a smooth surface; make wrinkled or creased; become wrinkled or crumpled or creased@n. a slight depression in the smoothness of a surface
wrinkled adj. marked with wrinkles or furrows; her ancient wrinkled cheeks; made or become wrinkled as by crushing or folding; tired travelers in wrinkled clothes; (of linens or clothes) not ironed
wrinkleless adj. not wrinkled or creased
wrinkly adj. marked with wrinkles or furrows
wrist n. a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
wristband n. part of a sleeve covering the wrist; a band of cloth or leather attached to a wristwatch and wrapped around the wrist
wristlet n. a band or bracelet worn around the wrist
wristwatch n. a watch that is worn strapped to the wrist
writ n. a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
write v. produce a literary work; communicate or express by writing; Please write to me every week; have (one's written work) issued for publication; communicate (with) in writing; communicate by letter; write music; mark or trace on a surface
writer n. writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay); a person who is able to write and has written something
writhe v. to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (esp. when struggling)
writhed adj. twisted (especially as in pain or struggle); writhed lips
writhen adj. twisted (especially as in pain or struggle)
writhing adj. having a twisting or snake-like or worm-like motion; writhing snakes
writing n. the act of creating written works; writing was a form of therapy for him
written adj. set down in writing in any of various ways; written evidence; systematically collected and written down; written laws; written as for a film or play or broadcast
wrong adv. in an incorrect manner@v. treat unjustly@adj. not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth; the report in the paper is wrong; contrary to conscience or morality or law@n. that which is contrary to the principles of justice or law
wrongdoer n. a person who transgresses moral or civil law
wrongdoing n. departure from what is ethically acceptable; activity that transgresses moral or civil law; he denied any wrongdoing
wronged adj. being injured unjustly or outrageously
wrongful adj. having no legally established claim; the wrongful heir to the throne; unlawfully violating the rights of others; wrongful death; not just or fair; a wrongful act
wrongfully adv. by law; conforming to the law
wrongfulness n. that which is contrary to the principles of justice or law
wrongheaded adj. obstinately perverse in judgment or opinion; a wrongheaded policy
wrongheadedly adv. in a wrongheaded manner
wrongly adv. without justice or fairness; in an incorrect manner
wrongness n. inappropriate conduct; contrary to conscience or morality; the quality of not conforming to fact or truth
wrote past tense of write
wroth adj. vehemently incensed and condemnatory; but wroth as he was, a short struggle ended in reconciliation
wrothful adj. vehemently incensed and condemnatory
wrought adj. shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort); the wrought silver bracelet
wrung past tense of wring
wry adj. humorously sarcastic or mocking; with a wry Scottish wit; bent to one side; a wry neck; disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking
wryly adv. in a wry manner; `I see,' he commented wryly
wrymouth n. eellike Atlantic bottom fish with large almost vertical mouth
wryneck n. an unnatural condition in which the head leans to one side because the neck muscles on that side are contracted; Old World woodpecker with a peculiar habit of twisting the neck
wurst n. sausage
wyethia n. low tufted white-woolly yellow-flowered herb of California
wyvern n. a fire-breathing dragon used in medieval heraldry; had the head of a dragon and the tail of a snake and a body with wings and two legs
