# Wat

/ˈwɔt/ (US) · /wˈæt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wat
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. Buddhist temple

noun · CEFR B2

a Buddhist temple or monastery in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos.

For teachers: a Buddhist temple, monastery, or sacred precinct in Southeast Asia, typically characterized by specific architectural features like a stupa or pagoda.

- We visited a beautiful wat in Bangkok and saw the golden statues.
- The architectural layout of the wat reflects a complex cosmology, with the central spire representing the sacred mountain at the center of the universe.

### 3. internet slang for 'what'

interjection · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

a way of writing 'what' to show you are very confused or surprised by something strange.

For teachers: an orthographic variant of 'what' used as an interjection to express extreme confusion, disbelief, or a reaction to a non-sequitur.

- He posted a picture of a cat wearing a suit, and I just replied 'wat'.
- The user's nonsensical response was met with a chorus of 'wat' in the comments section, signaling the community's collective bafflement.

Usage: Usually written in lowercase and used as a standalone reaction to something absurd.

## Examples

- Wat? I don't understand this at all.
- When the video ended with a giant cat flying into space, the only comment was 'wat'.
- The use of 'wat' instead of the standard spelling signals a specific type of internet-literate irony, often implying that the subject is so bizarre it does not deserve a proper question.

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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.