wad

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a thick pile or roll of paper money.

n. a substantial bundle or roll of banknotes.

“He pulled a thick wad of cash out of his pocket to pay for the car.”

“The undercover agent flashed a wad of bills to convince the smugglers that he was a serious buyer.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical

n. a disk of material used in a gun to keep the powder and shot in place.

n. a plug of cloth, paper, or plastic used to seal the powder and shot in a firearm cartridge.

“The investigator found a plastic wad from a shotgun shell at the scene.”

“Modern shotgun cartridges utilize a plastic wad to protect the pellets and ensure a consistent spread upon firing.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to fold or press something into a small, tight ball.

v. to compress or crumple material into a compact, amorphous shape.

“She wadded up the letter and threw it in the bin.”

“He wadded his damp towel into a ball and shoved it into the bottom of his gym bag.”