undulate

[ verb uhn-juh-leyt, uhn-dyuh-, -duh-; adjective uhn-juh-lit, -leyt, uhn-dyuh-, -duh- ]

verb (used without object)

, un·du·lat·ed, un·du·lat·ing.

1. to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement:

   The flag undulates in the breeze.

2. to have a wavy form or surface; bend with successive curves in alternate directions.
3. (of a sound) to rise and fall in pitch:

   the wail of a siren undulating in the distance.

verb (used with object)

, un·du·lat·ed, un·du·lat·ing.

1. to cause to move in waves.
2. to give a wavy form to.

adjective

1. Also un·du·lat·ed. having a wavelike or rippled form, surface, edge, etc.; wavy.

undulate

/ ˈʌndjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to move or cause to move in waves or as if in waves
2. to have or provide with a wavy form or appearance

adjective

1. having a wavy or rippled appearance, margin, or form

   an undulate leaf

Derived Forms

• ˈunduˌlator, noun

Other Words From

• un·du·la·tor noun
• non·un·du·late adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin undulātus waved, equivalent to und(a) “wave” + -ul(a) -ule + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulate¹

C17: from Latin undulātus, from unda a wave

Example Sentences

He’s in the Montana prairie in a place called Centennial ­Valley, which is undulating sagebrush flats layered with ancient sand dunes bordered on one side by the Centennial Mountains.

From Popular-Science

In this computer model, snakes that undulated flew similarly to the real-life snakes.

From Science News For Students

Certain species of tree snakes can glide through the air, undulating their bodies as they soar from tree to tree.

From Science News

In the simulation, snakes that undulated flew similarly to the real-life snakes.

From Science News

Gliding snakes undulate their bodies both side to side and up and down, the researchers found, and move their tails above and below the level of their heads.

From Science News

"Built it this spring," he said, surveying his handiwork, which seemed to undulate as the cars swept past.

From Project Gutenberg

But around and on every side of the retina undulate countless other rays that leave no impression upon it.

From Project Gutenberg

A bold but popular authoress was severely rated lately for the passage, “made twilight undulate.”

From Project Gutenberg

Scarcely had the crier ceased to speak, when the crowd began to undulate like a serpent behind the line of soldiers.

From Project Gutenberg

A violent east wind causes the tall heather, now of the color of dead leaves, to undulate like a peaceful sheet of water.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• billow
• wobble