undulating

[uhn-juh-leyt, uhn-dyuh-, -duh-]

adjective

1. having a sinuous or wavelike shape or motion.

   Travelers marvel at the simplicity and beauty of the undulating bamboo roof, tree-like pillars, and natural light flooding into the airport terminal.

   The American goldfinch is easily detected in the spring or summer as a flash of yellow flying with an undulating motion.

Other Word Forms

• nonundulating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulating¹

First recorded in 1710–20; undulat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

This newly found "great wave" might also have some link to a smaller undulating structure known as the Radcliffe Wave, which lies roughly 500 light-years from the Sun and extends about 9,000 light-years across.

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But soon enough, the stampede settles down and each cow does its own thing -- some progressing at a steady pace, others curiously approaching the crowd of thousands lining the undulating, circular course.

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Its undulating handles circulated widely on Instagram at the start of the 2020s.

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A black and gilt disco vibe permeates the 500-capacity space, from the undulating wood ceiling made from salvaged Hollywood Bowl seats to velveteen booths and a winking poster advertising Quaaludes.

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The Italian sectional that Tony was sitting on when we spoke had undulating seats in molded plastic, and was marked at around $9,000.

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Related Words

• rolling