# wage

/ˈweɪdʒ/ (US) · /wˈeɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wage
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. payment for work

noun · CEFR B1

the money a worker receives, usually based on the number of hours they work.

For teachers: a regular payment made by an employer to an employee, typically calculated on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis.

- The company increased the minimum wage for all its warehouse staff this year.
- Economists argue that a significant rise in the real wage can stimulate consumer spending but may also lead to inflationary pressures.

Usage: Often used in the plural ('wages') when referring to the total money earned.

### 2. to carry out a war or campaign

verb · CEFR B2

to start and continue a war, a fight, or a long organized plan.

For teachers: to carry on or conduct a war, protest, or systematic campaign. Transitive — requires a direct object like 'war' or 'campaign'.

- The health department is planning to wage a campaign against smoking in public parks.
- The rebel forces continued to wage a guerrilla war against the government for over a decade despite dwindling resources.

Usage: Almost exclusively collocates with 'war', 'campaign', 'battle', or 'struggle'.

## Examples

- The company increased the minimum wage for all staff this year.
- Many workers struggle to cover their basic living expenses on a low hourly wage.
- Economists argue that a significant increase in the real wage can stimulate consumer spending, though it may also lead to inflationary pressures in the service sector.

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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.