# wad

/ˈwɑd/ (US) · /wˈɒd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wad
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a soft mass

noun · CEFR B2

a small, soft mass of material like paper, cotton, or cloth.

For teachers: a small, compact mass of soft or flexible material.

- He cleaned his glasses with a small wad of cotton.
- The child had stuffed a wad of wet paper into the keyhole, making it impossible to insert the key.

### 2. a pile of money

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a thick pile or roll of paper money.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. ammunition part

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to crumple

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He pulled a thick wad of cash from his pocket.
- The mechanic used a wad of paper towels to clean the oil spill off the garage floor.
- The detective discovered a wad of incriminating documents hidden behind the loose brick in the basement wall, suggesting the suspect had intended to destroy them.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.