marvel

[mahr-vuhl]

noun

1. something that causes wonder, admiration, or astonishment; a wonderful thing; a wonder or prodigy.

   The new bridge is an engineering marvel.

2. Archaic.,  the feeling of wonder; astonishment.

verb (used with object)

marveled, marveling , marvelled, marvelling .

1. to wonder at (usually followed by a clause as object).

   I marvel that you were able to succeed against such odds.

2. to wonder or be curious about (usually followed by a clause as object).

   A child marvels that the stars can be.

verb (used without object)

marveled, marveling , marvelled, marvelling .

1. to be filled with wonder, admiration, or astonishment, as at something surprising or extraordinary.

   I marvel at your courage.

marvel

/ ˈmɑːvəl /

verb

1. to be filled with surprise or wonder

noun

1. something that causes wonder

2. archaic,  astonishment

Other Word Forms

• marvelment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marvel¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English mervel, from Old French merveil(l)e, from Late Latin mīrābilia “marvels,” noun use of neuter plural of Latin mīrābilis “marvelous”; admirable

Word History and Origins

Origin of marvel¹

C13: from Old French merveille, from Late Latin mīrābilia, from Latin mīrābilis, from mīrārī to wonder at

Example Sentences

Witnesses to that run of performances still marvel at the spectacle of Curry’s nightly entrance, as he marched from the lobby on a long catwalk, his high heels at eye level with the audience.

From Los Angeles Times

Other miniature marvels inside the structure include a tiny grand piano, the Crown Jewels and a 1920s-era vacuum cleaner.

From BBC

Coaches have raved about his instincts and marveled at how quickly he has picked up USC’s defensive scheme.

From Los Angeles Times

In a local Tokyo konbini, the snack aisle buzzes with excitement as adults and children alike marvel at an array of sour candies lining the store shelves.

From Salon

The event's founder, Sir Brendan Foster, said he had "spent ages marvelling" at the 2025 designs and "never spotted the mistake", even when they were displayed in the window of city centre department store Fenwick.

From BBC

Related Words

• genius 
• miracle