rhizoverbBeta
DictionarywaveBack-and-forth motion
verb / noun

wave

To move back and forth in a sweeping or rippling motion.

The flags wave in the breeze above the school entrance.

Etymology
waveOld Englishto wave or fluctuate

The older verb describes fluctuating movement. Modern wave preserves the sweeping back-and-forth motion in objects, gestures, and surfaces.

More examples

  • She waves her hand to get the driver's attention.
  • He greets us with a friendly wave.
  • Tall grasses wave gently along the edge of the field.

Forms

wave · waves · waved · waving

Similar words

sway
Emphasizes steady side-to-side movement rather than rippling or signaling.
flutter
Suggests quick, light, irregular movements rather than broad sweeps.