ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wavy

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈweɪvi// UK //wˈeɪvi// wavy Archaic Slang

adj. having a shape or pattern that curves in and out. You use this to describe hair that is not straight but not very curly, or lines that look like small waves.

adj. characterised by a series of curves or undulations. Often used to describe hair texture that falls between straight and tightly curled, or physical surfaces with a rolling profile.


SIMPLE

She has long, wavy hair that reaches her shoulders.

CONTEXTUAL

The artist drew several wavy lines across the canvas to represent the movement of the ocean.

COMPLEX

The desert landscape was defined by wavy sand dunes that shifted constantly under the pressure of the seasonal winds.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From wave + -y.

Etymology 2

See wavey.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'is' or 'looks'.

© 2026 English Reference