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)

waffled, waffling 

1. to speak or write equivocally.

   to waffle on an important issue.

verb (used with object)

waffled, waffling 

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.

waffled, waffling 

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. to speak or write in a vague and wordy manner

   he waffled on for hours

noun

1. vague and wordy speech or writing

Other Word Forms

• waffler noun
• wafflingly adverb
• waffly adjective
• waffling 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

The brunch menu mixes sweet and savory, with standouts like fluffy Japanese pancakes with matcha butter and a miso salmon benedict served on a crispy rice “waffle.”

From Salon

As an ardent lover of liège waffles, I was elated — no, ecstatic — when TJ’s first dropped its Brioche Style Liège Waffles.

From Salon

He never apologised to the fans that paid good money, he shrugged off questions and started waffling.

From BBC

Don’t be shy about shape or size — shoestring, steak-cut, crinkle, waffle, sweet potato — I’ll even give a pass to tater tots for the sake of this exercise.

From Salon

And its not just a London thing - viral chains like Gail's and Black Sheep Coffee with cafes across the UK make it - with the latter offering green matcha waffles too.

From BBC

Related Words

• flip-flop 
• vacillate