waffle

¹

[ wof-uhl ]

noun

1. a batter cake with a pattern of deep indentations on each side, formed by the gridlike design on each of the two hinged parts of the metal appliance waffle iron in which the cake is baked.

adjective

1. Also waffled. having a gridlike or indented lattice shape or design:

   a waffle pattern.

waffle

²

[ wof-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, waf·fled, waf·fling.

1. to speak or write equivocally:

   to waffle on an important issue.

verb (used with object)

, waf·fled, waf·fling.

1. to speak or write equivocally about:

   to waffle a campaign promise.

noun

1. waffling language.

waffle

³

[ wof-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, British.

, waf·fled, waf·fling.

1. to talk foolishly or without purpose; idle away time talking.

waffle

¹

/ ˈwɒfəl /

verb

1. introften foll byon to speak or write in a vague and wordy manner

   he waffled on for hours

noun

1. vague and wordy speech or writing

waffle

²

/ ˈwɒfəl /

noun

1. 1. a crisp golden-brown pancake with deep indentations on both sides
   2. ( as modifier )

      waffle iron

Derived Forms

• ˈwaffling, adjectivenoun
• ˈwaffly, adjective
• ˈwaffler, noun

Other Words From

• waffler noun
• waffling·ly adverb
• waffly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of waffle¹

First recorded in 1735–45; from Dutch wafel; wafer ( def )

Origin of waffle²

First recorded in 1890–95; originally dialect ( Scots, Northern England): “to wave about, flutter, waver, be hesitant”; probably waff + -le

Origin of waffle³

First recorded in 1865–70; originally dialect (Northern England); apparently waff “to bark, yelp” (imitative of the sound) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of waffle¹

C19: of unknown origin

Origin of waffle²

C19: from Dutch wafel (earlier wæfel ), of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wabo honeycomb

Example Sentences

Many of his supporters expressed disappointment when he waffled over how he would vote in Florida’s repeal of a six-week abortion ban.

From Los Angeles Times

The account features videos of Peanut playing out skits with Mr Longo, occasionally dressed in hats, often climbing over him or being hugged, and regularly eating waffles.

From BBC

While Dolan’s office said New York was “blessed with the greatest bagel stores in the world,” the cardinal waffled on announcing from which establishment he would be buying the goods.

From Los Angeles Times

On a good day like Sunday Funday, I would make my vegan chicken fried mushrooms and waffles.

From Los Angeles Times

This week, Treehouse Foods Inc. announced on the company "is voluntarily recalling certain frozen waffle products ... due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes."

From Salon

Related Words

• flip-flop
• vacillate