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waving

waving

1 1.0
A movement of the hand to greet or get attention
  • noun
  • /ˈweɪvɪŋ/
translation icon : saludo
  • How many tragedies, knife "wavings," and hatchet murders have they been responsible for?
  • flag waving

Examples

  • And this is how our smart cards, our little hand waving key fob debit things work.

  • At the parade, the crowd was filled with waving flags and cheers.

  • Awesome seeing a sea, an actual sea of beautiful waving faces.

  • There is no fanfare, no throngs of waving loved ones.

  • You know, for the the carrier, for the MCA and the waving of the napkins.

  • In this case, the statement included waving a small flag while reciting A nonsensical poem.

  • The children greeted their friend at the gate with waving hands.

  • She caught his attention with a friendly waving gesture.

Synonyms

wave
vswaving
127 1.0

A hand movement to greet or attract attention

is the continuous action of moving the hand to signal or greet
beck
vswaving
116 9.9

A gesture used to call someone, like a nod or wave

is primarily used to greet, call attention, or signal broadly
gesticulation
vswaving
1 7.4

Movements of the hands and arms that show feeling or make a point when you speak

is simpler and mainly a brief hand motion used for greeting or signaling
friendly wave
vswaving
1 1.0

A small movement of the hand to say hello and show kindness

is more neutral and used for general signaling or attention
hand-waving
vswaving
1 4.9

Moving the hands to get attention or make a point

is mainly the hand movement used to greet or get attention
signaling
vswaving
  • US
1 4.0

Using gestures or movements to give information without words

is a specific hand movement for greeting or attracting attention rather than any gesture
raised hand
vswaving
1 2.5

Lifting a hand to show you want to speak or answer

is mainly a general greeting or attention getting gesture instead of requesting to speak
widdle wave
vswaving
  • Baby Talk
9.9

A small playful hand movement to say hello or show affection

is a typical hand movement used broadly to greet or attract attention
finger wave
vswaving
6.6

A small greeting or goodbye made by moving the fingers

involves the whole hand moving to signal, not just fingers
wafture
vswaving
  • Archaic
9.9

A movement of the hand or arm to send a signal

is the everyday act of moving the hand to greet or get attention

Antonyms

38 3.5

A time of complete quiet and no movement that feels calm

Compounds

flag-waving
  • Offensive
2 6.8

Showing too much pride in one's country

1 5.7

A public display like a speech or a rally that makes people feel strong love for their country

hand waving
  • Informal
1 8.6

Making unclear gestures or saying unclear things to avoid a clear answer

1 4.9

Moving the hands to get attention or make a point

hand-waving
  • Informal
7.9

An explanation that is vague and lacks proof or important detail

9.9

News reporting that focuses on sadness and shock to get attention

shroud-waving
  • Literature
9.9

An act of showing too much grief to gain public sympathy

How Vigorous

waving
1 1.0
to gesture
62 3.0
signaling
  • US
1 4.0

Surface Forms

waving singular
wavings plural

Morphology

waving = wave (transparent) = wave + ing

The noun is a standard gerund/nominalization of the verb 'wave' and its meaning 'the act of waving' is directly derived.

Etymology

Waving comes from the old word wave, which meant 'to move back and forth' like water in the sea. So when you wave your hand you make small 'waves' in the air to 'signal' someone or say hello.