13017 words found
Wahhabism is a conservative reform movement within Sunni Islam, originating in 18th‑century Najd led by Muhammad ibn Abd al‑Wahhab. It emphasizes strict adherence to the Qur’an and Hadith, and a purist stance against folk practices and innovations. In scholarly and public discourse, it is often discussed in relation to its doctrinal criteria, historical expansion, and political influence in certain regions.
Wahunsonacock is a historical name best known as a moniker for a Native American leader; used in historical texts and discussions of early colonial-era tribes. It denotes a personal name rather than a common noun, and is often encountered in academic or archival contexts related to Iroquoian or Powhatan-speaking communities. The pronunciation tends to be emphasized in scholarly works to preserve the original phonology of the period.
Waialeale is a Hawaiian proper noun, primarily referring to a prominent mountain on Kauai. It denotes a place name, often invoked in geographic or cultural contexts, and may appear in environmental, historical, or tourism-related discourse. Its pronunciation features multiple Hawai'ian vowels and consonants, including glottal and syllabic elements typical of Hawaiian geography terms.
Waif is a noun referring to a person (often a child or young woman) who appears thin or delicate, typically malnourished or poor, or someone who seems fragile or neglected. It can imply vulnerability and a lack of support or protection, sometimes carrying a literary or historical nuance. The term is more evocative than clinical, used in descriptive writing and journalism.
Waikato is a noun referring to a major region in the North Island of New Zealand, and to the river and province by the same name. It is used in geographic, cultural, and administrative contexts and is pronounced with a distinct Maori-influenced vowel sequence and a non-rhotic American/UK/Australian rhythm. It denotes place identity and is often encountered in New Zealand school, media, and tourism discourse.
Waikiki is a famous beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its white-sand beaches and resort hotels. The name is of Hawaiian origin and is often used to refer both to the district and its iconic stretch of coastline. When spoken, it typically carries a light, non-stressful rhythm with emphasis on the second syllable cluster.
Waikoloa is a proper noun referring to a coastal district and resort area on the island of Hawaii. It is pronounced as a multi-syllable proper noun with gently stressed syllables, reflecting Hawaiian phonology. The name blends local toponymic elements and typically follows English pronunciation conventions when used in American English contexts.
Wainscot is a noun referring to a wooden paneling or covering in interior walls, often decorative and framing a room. It can also denote such paneling itself, particularly in older or traditional houses. The term conveys historical or antique architectural detail and is used chiefly in formal or historical descriptions of interiors.
Wainscoting is a decorative wall treatment consisting of wooden panels or niches, installed along the lower portion of interior walls. Traditionally raised from the floor, it provides protection and a formal, classic aesthetic. The term also denotes the woodwork itself, including the panels, moldings, and sometimes framing. It is a noun used in architecture and interior design contexts.
Waist is a noun referring to the part of the body between the ribs and the hips, or to a garment’s circumference around that area. It also appears in phrases describing tight or narrow fits. In usage, it often implies measurement, clothing fit, or body silhouette. The term is concise, common in everyday speech, and essential in fashion and anatomy contexts.
Waistcoat is a sleeveless outer garment worn over a shirt, typically a formal or semi-formal men's vest. It is worn under a suit jacket and often buttoned down the front, sometimes with a notch or peak lapel visible from the outer garment. The term emphasizes the waist-length cut and fitted silhouette historically associated with formal British attire.
Waitangi is a proper noun referring to the Treaty of Waitangi region in New Zealand, or to the Waitangi Tribunal and related places. It is typically used as a place name or institution title and is pronounced with careful attention to Māori phonology, reflecting its origins and usage in New Zealand discourse. Expect two prominent syllables with Māori vowel quality that can influence rhythm and stress in full institutional names.
WaitingRoom (verb) refers to the act of apprehensively anticipating a future event or outcome, often in a state of suspense or delay. It conveys the mental space of delaying action until further information arrives, typically in contexts like clinics, appointments, or decision-making scenarios. The phrase emphasizes the experiential process of waiting, not the action taken after it ends.
Waitrose is a British supermarket chain brand name, used as a proper noun. It denotes a specific retailer and is commonly encountered in UK business, media, and shopping contexts. The term functions as a brand identifier rather than a common noun, and is typically pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable.
Waive is a verb meaning to intentionally refrain from insisting on a right, claim, or rule, or to relinquish a claim or privilege. It can also mean to refrain from performing a duty or obligation. It's often used in legal, policy, or procedural contexts and implies voluntary forgoing rather than being forced or required.
Waiver is a noun referring to a formal document or statement that relinquishes a known right, claim, or privilege, or the act of relinquishing. It implies voluntary surrender or exemption, often used in legal or administrative contexts. The term emphasizes consent and the absence of obligation to enforce a rule or liability.
Wake-Up is a phrasal verb meaning to rouse someone from sleep or to cause something (like a system or alert) to activate. It often appears as two words or a hyphenated form in informal writing. In everyday speech it carries a sense of initiating action, not merely waking, and can function as a directive or descriptive action.
Wales is a proper noun referring to a country that is part of the United Kingdom, located on the island of Great Britain. It can also denote a specific region within certain contexts. The pronunciation contrasts with the plural noun “whales,” and usage depends on geographic or political reference rather than mere animal naming.
Walk is a verb meaning to move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never sliding or rolling the foot. It also refers to the act of accompanying someone on a journey or proceeding on foot through a place. The term covers everyday locomotion, as well as specific activities like walking a dog or walking a tightrope. It can also function as a noun in phrases like a walk in the park.
Walked is the past tense of walk, meaning you moved on foot at some point in the past. It denotes completed stepping action and can imply pace or manner depending on context. In everyday use, walked often carries a casual, narrative tone and blends with surrounding speech for natural past-tense narration.
