wain

[ weyn ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. Charles's Wain.
2. a farm wagon or cart.

Wain

¹

/ weɪn /

noun

1. WainJohn (Barrington)19251994MBritishWRITING: novelistWRITING: poetWRITING: critic John ( Barrington ). 1925–94, British novelist, poet, and critic. His novels include Hurry on Down (1953), Strike the Father Dead (1962), and Young Shoulders (1982)

wain

²

/ weɪn /

noun

1. poetic.
   a farm wagon or cart

Word History and Origins

Origin of wain¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English wægn, wǣn, cognate with Dutch wagen, German Wagen. See weigh ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of wain¹

Old English wægn; related to Old Frisian wein, Old Norse vagn

Example Sentences

"They are a lovely family and the wains all play together," the neighbour said.

From BBC

Even after her death, the tabloid gossip and fascination with the princess did not really wain.

From Salon

In the past 105 days, we have seen our passionate concern for the virus wain into a laissez-faire approach to our daily lives.

From Washington Times

Decades before he joined the center, Rich Thompson’s third word was “wain.”

From New York Times

From the havens of Harad ships of war put out to sea; and out of the East Men were moving endlessly: swordsmen, spearmen, bowmen upon horses, chariots of chieftains and laden wains.

From Literature

Related Words

• car
• caravan
• carriage
• cart
• chariot
• lorry
• van