Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with W

Showing words 9611,080 of 1,518. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

wide-leg

adj

(of trousers or jeans) having legs that are very wide from the hips or thighs to the hem.

[ˈwaɪd leɡ]

wide-legged

adj

(of a pair of trousers, shorts, or a stance) having the legs far apart at the bottom or cut with a very full shape.

[ˌwaɪd ˈleɡɪd]

wide-mouth

adj

Having a mouth or opening that is broad or large in width.

[ˈwaɪd maʊθ]

wide-mouthed

adj

Having a mouth that is wide or that opens wide.

[ˌwaɪd ˈmaʊðd]

wide-open

adj

Completely open; not closed or restricted.

[ˌwaɪd ˈoʊpən]

wide-plank

adj

(of flooring) made from or consisting of long, broad boards.

[ˌwaɪd ˈplæŋk]

wide-ranging

adj

Covering a large number of different subjects or areas; extensive.

[ˌwaɪd ˈreɪndʒɪŋ]

wide-reaching

adj

Having a broad or extensive effect, influence, or scope.

[ˌwaɪd ˈriːtʃɪŋ]

wide-scale

adj

Involving many people or things over a large area; extensive.

[ˌwaɪdˈskeɪl]

wide-screen

adj

Relating to or using a film or television picture with a width that is significantly greater than its height.

[ˈwaɪd skriːn]

wide-set

adj

Having the eyes or other features set relatively far apart.

[ˈwaɪdˌsɛt]

wide-shouldered

adj

Having broad or wide shoulders.

[ˌwaɪd ˈʃoʊldərd]

wide-spaced

adj

Having a relatively large amount of space between individual items or parts.

[ˌwaɪd ˈspeɪst]

widely

adv

To a large degree or extent; by many people or in many places.

[ˈwaɪdli]

widely-held

adj

Believed or accepted by a large number of people.

[ˈwaɪdli hɛld]

widen

v

to become wider, or to make something wider

[ˈwaɪd(ə)n]

widened

verb (past tense and past participle)

Made or became wider or more extensive.

[ˈwaɪd(ə)nd]

widening

n

The act or process of making something wider, or the state of becoming wider.

[ˈwaɪdənɪŋ]

widespread

adj

existing or happening over a large area or among many people

[ˈwaɪdspred]

widgeon

n

A freshwater duck with a round head and short neck, often having a colorful speculum on the wing.

[ˈwɪdʒən]

widget

n

A small device or mechanical object, especially one whose name you do not know or cannot remember.

[ˈwɪdʒɪt]

widow

n

A woman whose husband has died and who has not married again.

[ˈwɪdoʊ]

widowed

adj

Having lost one's spouse by death and not married again.

[ˈwɪdoʊd]

widower

n

a man whose wife has died and who has not married again

[ˈwɪdoʊər]

widowhood

n

The state or period of being a widow.

[ˈwɪdoʊhʊd]

width

n

The measurement or distance from one side of something to the other; how wide something is.

[wɪtθ]

wield

v

To hold and use a weapon, tool, or piece of equipment.

[wiːld]

wielder

n

a person who wields or uses something, especially a weapon or power.

[ˈwiːldər]

wiener

n

A type of smoked sausage, typically made of beef and pork; a frankfurter or hot dog.

[ˈwiːnər]

wife

n

a married woman considered in relation to her spouse

[waɪf]

wife-beating

n

The act or practice of a man physically assaulting his wife.

[ˈwaɪfˌbiːtɪŋ]

wifely

adj

characteristic of, suitable for, or like a wife.

[ˈwaɪfli]

wiffle

v

To blow or move with a light, intermittent, or unsteady motion, especially in the air.

[ˈwɪf(ə)l]

wig

n

An artificial covering of hair for the head, worn to conceal baldness, for theatrical or ceremonial purposes, or as part of a costume.

[wɪɡ]

wigeon

n

A medium-sized freshwater duck with mainly reddish-brown and gray plumage, the male having a distinctive creamy-yellow forehead.

[ˈwɪdʒ.ən]

wiggle

v

to move with short, quick movements from side to side or up and down

[ˈwɪɡl̩]

wiggler

n

a person or thing that wiggles, especially a child who cannot keep still.

[ˈwɪɡlər]

wiggling

adj

Making small, quick movements from side to side or up and down.

[ˈwɪɡlɪŋ]

wiggly

adj

Having a twisting, curving, or undulating shape or motion.

[ˈwɪɡ.li]

wiggy

adj

(informal) Crazy, eccentric, or irrational.

[ˈwɪɡi]

wigwag

v

To move back and forth or to and fro.

[ˈwɪɡwæɡ]

wigwam

n

a dome-shaped or conical dwelling traditionally made by fastening bark, hides, or mats over a framework of poles, used by some indigenous peoples of north america.

[ˈwɪɡ.wɑːm]

wiki

n

A website that allows collaborative editing of its content and structure by its users.

[ˈwɪki]

wild

adj

(Of an animal or plant) living or growing in the natural environment; not domesticated or cultivated.

[waɪld]

wild-card

n

A playing card that can have any value or suit chosen by the player holding it.

[ˈwaɪld kɑːrd]

wild-caught

adj

(of an animal, especially fish) captured from its natural habitat rather than being bred in captivity.

[ˈwaɪldˌkɑːt]

wild-eyed

adj

having eyes that are wide open and staring, especially as a sign of fear, madness, or extreme emotion.

[ˌwaɪld ˈaɪd]

wild-goose

adj

Used to describe a futile, pointless, or hopeless pursuit or task, often one that involves a long and complicated search.

[ˌwaɪld ˈɡuːs]

wild-haired

adj

Having untidy, unkempt, or wildly disheveled hair.

[ˌwaɪldˈherd]

wild-looking

adj

Having an untamed, fierce, or unconventional appearance.

[ˈwaɪldˌlʊkɪŋ]

wild-type

adj

(of an organism or gene) having the form or characteristics that are most common in nature and are considered the standard or normal state, as opposed to a mutant form.

[ˈwaɪld taɪp]

wildcat

n

a small or medium-sized wild feline, such as a lynx or bobcat.

[ˈwaɪldkæt]

wildcatter

n

A person who drills wells for oil or gas in areas not known to be productive.

[ˈwaɪldkætər]

wildebeest

n

a large african antelope with a long head and a beard and mane, noted for its annual migration in large herds.

[ˈwɪldəbiːst]

wilderness

n

a wild, uncultivated, and uninhabited region.

[ˈwɪldərnəs]

wildfire

n

A large, destructive fire that spreads quickly over woodland or brush.

[ˈwaɪldfaɪər]

wildflower

n

A flowering plant that grows in the wild, not intentionally planted by humans.

[ˈwaɪldflaʊər]

wildland

n

an area of land that is in a natural state, not used for farming or built on by people.

[ˈwaɪldlænd]

wildlife

n

Animals, birds, and plants living in their natural environment, not controlled by people.

[ˈwaɪldlaɪf]

wildly

adv

in an uncontrolled, unrestrained, or extreme manner

[ˈwaɪldli]

wildness

n

the quality or state of being wild, uncontrolled, or not civilized.

[ˈwaɪldnəs]

wildwood

n

An ancient or uncultivated forest; a wood that has grown naturally and is untouched by human management.

[ˈwaɪldwʊd]

wile

n

a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive.

[waɪl]

wilful

adj

(of something bad or wrong) done deliberately, despite knowing it is wrong

[ˈwɪlf(ə)l]

wilfully

adv

in a way that shows a deliberate and stubborn desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, regardless of the consequences.

[ˈwɪlfəli]

will

modal

Used to talk about what is going to happen in the future, especially things that you are certain about or things that are planned

[wɪl]

willful

adj

Deliberately doing something bad or wrong; intentional.

[ˈwɪlf(ə)l]

willfully

adv

In a deliberate and obstinate manner, often knowing one's actions are wrong or unreasonable.

[ˈwɪlfəli]

willfulness

n

The quality of being determined to do what you want, without caring about what others think or want.

[ˈwɪlfəlnəs]

willing

adj

ready, eager, or prepared to do something

[ˈwɪlɪŋ]

willingly

adv

in a way that shows you are happy or ready to do something without being forced or persuaded

[ˈwɪlɪŋli]

willingness

n

the quality of being prepared to do something; readiness.

[ˈwɪlɪŋnəs]

willow

n

A type of tree with long, thin branches and narrow leaves, often growing near water.

[ˈwɪloʊ]

willowy

adj

(of a person) tall, slender, and graceful

[ˈwɪloʊi]

willpower

n

the ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve something or to stop yourself from doing something

[ˈwɪlpaʊər]

willy-nilly

adv

whether desired or not; without order or planning; in a haphazard or disorganized manner.

[ˌwɪli ˈnɪli]

wilsonian

adj

Relating to or characteristic of the political ideas or policies of US President Woodrow Wilson, especially concerning national self-determination and international cooperation.

[wɪlˈsoʊniən]

wilt

v

(of a plant or flower) to become weak, bend over, and start to die, usually because it needs water or is too warm.

[wɪlt]

wilted

adj

(Of a plant, leaf, or flower) limp and drooping, typically due to heat, loss of water, or disease.

[ˈwɪltɪd]

wilting

adj

(of a plant, leaf, or flower) becoming limp through heat, loss of water, or disease; drooping.

[ˈwɪltɪŋ]

wily

adj

skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully; cunning.

[ˈwaɪ.li]

wimp

n

A person who is not strong, brave, or confident

[wɪmp]

wimple

n

A cloth headdress covering the head, neck, and the sides of the face, formerly worn by women and still worn by some nuns.

[ˈwɪmpl̩]

wimpy

adj

weak and lacking in courage or determination; feeble.

[ˈwɪmpi]

win

v

to be the most successful in a competition, battle, or argument

[wɪn]

win-loss

n

A record of the number of wins and losses a team or competitor has achieved.

[ˈwɪn lɔːs]

win-win

adj

Describing a situation, agreement, or outcome that is advantageous or satisfactory to all parties involved.

[ˌwɪn ˈwɪn]

win-win-win

adj

Describing a situation, strategy, or outcome that is beneficial for three separate parties or on three distinct levels.

[ˌwɪn wɪn ˈwɪn]

wince

v

To suddenly make an expression with your face that shows pain or embarrassment.

[wɪns]

winch

n

a machine for lifting or pulling heavy objects, consisting of a horizontal cylinder around which a rope or chain is wound, turned by a crank or motor.

[wɪntʃ]

wind

n

The natural movement of air, especially in the form of a current blowing from a particular direction.

[wɪnd]

wind-borne

adj

Carried or transported by the wind.

[ˈwɪnd bɔːrn]

wind-chill

n

A quantity expressing the perceived lowering of the air temperature caused by the wind, based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin.

[ˈwɪnd tʃɪl]

wind-driven

adj

Powered or propelled by the force of the wind.

[ˈwɪnd ˌdrɪv.ən]

wind-power

n

Electrical power generated by using wind turbines.

[ˈwɪnd paʊər]

wind-powered

adj

using the power of the wind to generate energy or operate machinery.

[ˈwɪnd ˌpaʊərd]

wind-resistant

adj

Designed or able to withstand strong winds without being damaged or moved.

[ˈwɪnd rɪˌzɪstənt]

wind-scoured

adj

(of a landscape or surface) worn smooth, bare, or shaped by the abrasive action of wind-blown particles.

[ˈwɪnd skaʊərd]

wind-tossed

adj

(of a tree, person's hair, etc.) blown about violently by the wind

[ˈwɪnd tɑːst]

wind-tunnel

n

A long, narrow chamber through which air is forced at controlled speeds in order to study the effects of airflow on objects such as aircraft or car models placed inside.

[ˈwɪnd tʌnl]

wind-up

n

The act of concluding or finishing something.

[ˈwaɪnd ʌp]

wind-whipped

adj

Blown or lashed violently by the wind

[ˈwɪnd wɪpt]

windage

n

the effect of the wind in deflecting a missile such as a bullet or shell.

[ˈwɪndɪdʒ]

windbag

n

A person who talks a lot, especially in a boastful or empty way.

[ˈwɪndbæɡ]

windblown

adj

Carried, shaped, or deposited by the wind.

[ˈwɪnd.bloʊn]

windbreak

n

A row of trees, a fence, or a wall that provides protection from the wind.

[ˈwɪndbreɪk]

windbreaker

n

A jacket designed to protect the wearer from the wind, typically made of a lightweight, wind-resistant material.

[ˈwɪndˌbreɪkər]

winded

adj

Temporarily breathless, especially from physical exertion.

[ˈwɪndɪd]

winder

n

a person or device that winds something, especially thread, yarn, or a watch.

[ˈwaɪndər]

windfall

n

A large amount of money that is won or received unexpectedly.

[ˈwɪndfɔːl]

winding

adj

Having a twisting, turning, or spiral course or shape.

[ˈwaɪndɪŋ]

windjammer

n

a large merchant sailing ship, especially one with multiple masts, used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

[ˈwɪndˌdʒæm.ɚ]

windlass

n

A mechanical device, such as a winch, used for hauling or lifting, typically consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank or motor, around which a rope or chain winds.

[ˈwɪndləs]

windless

adj

without wind; calm and still.

[ˈwɪndləs]

windmill

n

A building or structure with parts (sails) that are turned by the wind, used in the past for grinding grain or pumping water.

[ˈwɪndmɪl]

window

n

An opening in a wall, door, or vehicle, usually fitted with glass, that allows light and air to enter and people to see out.

[ˈwɪndoʊ]

window-shop

v

To look at the goods displayed in shop windows without intending to buy anything.

[ˈwɪndoʊ ʃɑːp]

windowed

adj

Having a window or windows.

[ˈwɪndoʊd]

windowless

adj

Having no windows.

[ˈwɪndoʊləs]

windowpane

n

A single sheet of glass in a window or door.

[ˈwɪndoʊpeɪn]
English Words Starting with W – Page 9 | OpenEtymology