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 /

noun

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

      waffle iron

waffle

²

/ 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

Derived Forms

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

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

Origin of waffle²

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

It’s designed to look as no-nonsense as it performs, and it makes hefty 4-slice Belgian waffles with adjustable browning controls to ensure you get the precise mix of crispy and spongy.

From Popular-Science

Oh, and don’t forget to top your waffles with fruit, syrup, chocolate, butter, whipped cream, or cherries.

From Popular-Science

This Mickey Mouse waffle iron is essential for the little mouseketeers in your life.

From Popular-Science

The Dash mini waffle maker has all the power of a classic waffle iron in a pint sized, single pound package.

From Popular-Science

If you’re feeling festive, the Dash mini waffle maker comes in three fun mini shapes—a heart, pumpkin, and snowflake.

From Popular-Science

Maira Kalman greets me in her Manhattan apartment wearing a white, waffle-knit bathrobe.

From The Daily Beast

Cook waffles in waffle maker, sprinkle chocolate chips and drizzle chocolate sauce.

From The Daily Beast

I look at that—I would have some kind of crazy Belgian waffle.

From The Daily Beast

In Touch says Kim is closer to 200 pounds but that her foods of choice are “waffle cones and fries.”

From The Daily Beast

I make an exception for waffle irons and similar things that do an important, but infrequent job.

From The Daily Beast

One of the tables near the waffle stand is taken by a group of six students and four girls.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us have a waffle party and introduce some of the men to more intimate acquaintance with the mysteries of the cuisine.

From Project Gutenberg

There were the waffle-cakes, baked in the irons which had furnished every cake for that table for the last quarter of a century.

From Project Gutenberg

The waffle-irons should be well greased with lard, and very hot, before each one is put in.

From Project Gutenberg

Mix well; add the whites beaten stiff and bake in a well greased waffle iron.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flip-flop
• vacillate