What does "waving" mean?

1. (hand signal) moving your hand from side to side to say hello, goodbye, or to get attention. 2. (moving in the wind) the way something like a flag or long grass moves back and forth in the air.

waving

US //ˈweɪvɪŋ// UK //wˈeɪvɪŋ// wav·ing

1 hand signal (n.)
A2 Elementary

moving your hand from side to side to say hello, goodbye, or to get attention.

the act of moving the hand or an object to and fro as a greeting, farewell, or signal.

Example

With a friendly waving of her hand, she said goodbye to her friends.

Example

The frantic waving of the stranded hikers finally caught the attention of the rescue helicopter pilot.
2 moving in the wind (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the way something like a flag or long grass moves back and forth in the air.

the undulating or fluttering motion of a flexible object, such as a flag or foliage, caused by air currents.

Example

The waving of the tall grass in the field looked like a green ocean.

Example

The rhythmic waving of the banners atop the castle walls provided a colourful display for the arriving dignitaries.
- fluttering
- undulation
- swaying

Idioms1 entry

01
hand waving
Discussion or argumentation involving approximation, vagueness, educated guessing, or the attempt to explain or excuse vagaries.

Last updated June 20, 2026