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

Their power doesn’t wax and wane depending on their clothing.

From Salon

He said he expected that to wane under the Biden administration, but instead has seen a further increase throughout the last four years.

From Los Angeles Times

Their work opportunities tend to wane as they age.

From Los Angeles Times

"I like Australia, so I'll travel there if we do it the right way," Wane told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked about the plans.

From BBC

What is pleasing for England is that the calendar is finally being constructed to give head coach Shaun Wane and his players the opportunity to face elite level opposition in time for the World Cup in 2026.

From BBC

Related Words

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