A1 noun Neutral

wave

/weɪv/

A wave is a raised line of water that moves across the surface of an ocean or lake. It is usually created by the wind and ends by breaking on the shore.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The children were jumping over a small wave at the beach.

The children were jumping over a small wave at the beach.

2

The research team measured the height of each wave during the storm.

The research team measured the height of each wave during the storm.

3

Check out that huge wave! It's perfect for surfing.

Check out that huge wave! It's perfect for surfing.

Word Family

Noun
wave
Verb
wave
Adverb
wavily
Adjective
wavy
Related
waver
💡

Memory Tip

The letter 'W' looks like two waves in the water.

Quick Quiz

The surfer waited for a big ______ to come toward the shore.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wave

Examples

1

The children were jumping over a small wave at the beach.

everyday

The children were jumping over a small wave at the beach.

2

The research team measured the height of each wave during the storm.

formal

The research team measured the height of each wave during the storm.

3

Check out that huge wave! It's perfect for surfing.

informal

Check out that huge wave! It's perfect for surfing.

4

A seismic wave travels through the Earth's crust after an earthquake.

academic

A seismic wave travels through the Earth's crust after an earthquake.

5

The company is riding a wave of popularity following the tech expo.

business

The company is riding a wave of popularity following the tech expo.

Word Family

Noun
wave
Verb
wave
Adverb
wavily
Adjective
wavy
Related
waver

Common Collocations

ocean wave ocean wave
tidal wave tidal wave
big wave big wave
heat wave heat wave
sound wave sound wave

Common Phrases

make waves

to cause trouble or change a situation

ride the wave

to enjoy a period of success

on the same wavelength

to think in a similar way to someone else

Often Confused With

wave vs waive

wave vs waver

📝

Usage Notes

When used in a nature context, 'wave' is a countable noun. It can refer to physical water movements or abstract movements like sound or heat.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'wave' as an uncountable noun, but you should say 'a wave' or 'many waves' when talking about the sea.

💡

Memory Tip

The letter 'W' looks like two waves in the water.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old English word 'wafian', meaning to fluctuate or move to and fro.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural form: waves Often used with verbs like 'crash', 'break', or 'roll'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many coastal cultures, waves are symbols of both recreational fun (surfing) and the dangerous power of nature.

Quick Quiz

The surfer waited for a big ______ to come toward the shore.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wave

More nature words

savanna

A1

A savanna is a large, flat area of land covered with grass and only a few scattered trees. It is mostly found in hot regions, such as Africa and South America, and supports a wide variety of wildlife.

estuary

A1

An estuary is the wide part of a river where it joins the sea. It is a unique place where fresh water from the river mixes with salty water from the ocean.

undergrowth

A1

Undergrowth refers to the small plants, bushes, and shrubs that grow on the ground beneath the taller trees in a forest or wood. It is often dense and can make walking through the area difficult.

germination

A1

Germination is the process where a seed starts to grow into a new plant. It happens when the seed has enough water, the right temperature, and oxygen.

evergreen

A1

An evergreen is a tree or plant that keeps its green leaves all year round, even in the winter. Unlike deciduous trees, it does not lose its foliage during the cold seasons.

endangered species

A1

A group of animals or plants that are in danger of disappearing forever. There are very few of them left in the world, so people try to protect them.

sanctuary

A1

A safe place where people or animals are protected from danger or trouble. It is also a quiet, peaceful place where you can feel calm and relaxed.

mammal

A1

A mammal is a type of animal that breathes air, usually has hair or fur, and gives birth to live young. They are special because the mothers produce milk to feed their babies.

reptile

A1

A reptile is a cold-blooded animal with dry, scaly skin that usually lays eggs on land. Snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles are common examples of this group of animals.

invertebrate

A1

An invertebrate is an animal that does not have a backbone or a skeleton inside its body. This group includes many common animals like insects, spiders, worms, and crabs.

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