wane

[ weyn ]

verb (used without object)

, waned, wan·ing.

1. to decrease in strength, intensity, etc.:

   Daylight waned, and night came on.

   Her enthusiasm for the cause is waning.

   Synonyms: sink, fail, diminish

2. to decline in power, importance, prosperity, etc.:

   Colonialism began to wane after World War II.

   Synonyms: sink, fail, diminish

3. to draw to a close; approach an end:

   Summer is waning.

4. (of the moon) to decrease periodically in the extent of its illuminated portion after the full moon. Compare wax ²( def 2 ).

noun

1. a gradual decrease or decline in strength, intensity, power, etc.

   Synonyms: decay, failure, diminution

2. the drawing to a close of life, an era, a period, etc.
3. the waning of the moon.
4. a period of waning.
5. a defect in a plank or board characterized by bark or insufficient wood at a corner or along an edge, due to the curvature of the log.

wane

/ weɪn /

verb

1. (of the moon) to show a gradually decreasing portion of illuminated surface, between full moon and new moon Compare wax 2
2. to decrease gradually in size, strength, power, etc
3. to draw to a close

noun

1. a decrease, as in size, strength, power, etc
2. the period during which the moon wanes
3. the act or an instance of drawing to a close
4. a rounded surface or defective edge of a plank, where the bark was
5. on the wane
   in a state of decline

Derived Forms

• ˈwaney, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wane¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English verb wanen, Old English wanian “to lessen”; cognate with Middle Dutch, Middle High German wanen, Old Norse vana “to cause to wane, destroy”

Word History and Origins

Origin of wane¹

Old English wanian (vb); related to wan-, prefix indicating privation, wana defect, Old Norse vana

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the wane, decreasing; diminishing:

   The popularity of that song is on the wane.

More idioms and phrases containing wane

see wax and wane .

Example Sentences

If Washington’s influence does wane around the world, it could be a win for President Xi.

From BBC

Viewing will also be hampered by the waning gibbous moon at 93% of its full illumination and present in the sky throughout the night.

From BBC

“Trump’s message was: ‘I know you're in decline, I know your numbers are waning.

From BBC

In the waning moments of the final round, Paul dropped his gloves and bowed to Tyson.

From Salon

The US has in the past had investments including in the country’s energy sector but the interest has waned.

From BBC

Related Words

• abate
• atrophy
• decrease
• die down
• die out
• dim
• dwindle
• ebb
• fade
• peter out
• shrink
• slacken
• subside
• taper off
• weaken
• wither