Word
WAVES
Phoneticswaves
US/ˈweɪvz/
UK/wˈeɪvz/
Definitions
01moving water
A1 · Beginner Plural noun
n. lines of water that move across the surface of the sea or a lake.
n. disturbances on the surface of a body of water, typically caused by wind or geological activity, that move in a rhythmic pattern.
“The children spent the afternoon jumping over the small waves at the beach.”
“The coastal town suffered significant damage after massive waves crashed over the sea wall during the winter storm.”
02physics/signals
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Science Technical
n. the way that light, sound, or radio signals travel through the air.
n. periodic oscillations that transmit energy through a medium or space, such as sound, light, or electromagnetic radiation.
“Radio waves allow us to listen to music in our cars while we drive.”
“The scientist explained how gravitational waves ripple through the fabric of space-time following the collision of two black holes.”
Synonyms
03military abbreviation
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun American English · Archaic
n. Stands for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.
n. Abbreviation for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service; a historical branch of the U.S. Naval Reserve.
“My grandmother served in the WAVES during the second World War.”
“The establishment of the WAVES in 1942 marked a significant shift in the role of women within the United States military infrastructure.”
Usage
Often used in the plural when referring to the sea; used as a singular countable noun in physics to describe a specific oscillation.
Idioms
01. make waves
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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