# wax

/ˈwæks/ (US) · /wˈæks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wax
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. substance for candles/polish

noun · CEFR B1

a solid, oily substance that melts easily, used to make candles or to make surfaces shiny.

For teachers: a class of organic compounds that are lipophilic, malleable solids near ambient temperatures; includes beeswax and paraffin.

- The candle wax dripped onto the tablecloth and left a small mark.
- The restorer applied a thin layer of microcrystalline wax to protect the antique mahogany from humidity changes.

### 2. vinyl records

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

a slang term for a vinyl record or music recorded on a disc.

For teachers: a metonymic reference to phonograph records, derived from the historical use of wax cylinders in early recording technology.

- The DJ played some rare soul tracks on wax that I had never heard before.
- Collectors often argue that the warmth of a performance captured on wax cannot be replicated by digital formats.

### 3. to polish

verb · CEFR B1

to rub a surface with wax to make it smooth and shiny.

For teachers: to treat or coat a surface with wax, typically for the purpose of protection or aesthetic enhancement.

- He spent the whole afternoon waxing his car until it looked like new.
- The maintenance crew waxes the gymnasium floor annually to ensure a consistent grip for the athletes.

### 4. to remove hair

verb · CEFR B2

to remove hair from the body by using a sticky substance that is pulled off quickly.

For teachers: to perform depilation by applying a layer of wax and removing it along with the hair follicles.

- She decided to get her legs waxed before going on her beach holiday.
- The salon offers various treatments, including facial threading and waxing for sensitive skin.

### 5. to grow or increase

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to grow larger or stronger; often used to describe the moon as it gets fuller.

For teachers: to increase in size, quantity, or intensity; specifically used of the moon between its new and full phases.

- The moon will wax over the next week until it is completely full.
- As the evening progressed, the speaker began to wax poetic about the beauty of the rugged coastline.

### 6. made of wax

adjective · CEFR B2

made out of wax.

For teachers: composed of or resembling wax in texture or appearance.

- The museum has several wax figures of famous historical leaders.
- The artist created a series of wax models to test the lighting before casting the final bronze sculptures.

## Examples

- The candle wax dripped onto the wooden table.
- She applied a thin layer of wax to the surfboard to improve her grip while riding the waves.
- The museum features life-sized figures crafted from pigmented wax, capturing every minute detail of the historical figures' facial expressions and clothing textures.

---

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.