Mexican wave

British  

noun

1. the rippling effect produced when the spectators in successive sections of a sports stadium stand up while raising their arms and then sit down

---

Etymology

Origin of Mexican wave

C20: so called because it was first demonstrated at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Mexican wave

But many believe George Henderson - or Krazy George - from the US deserves credit for initiating and directing the first ever wave, which is known as the Mexican wave outside North America.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

Other planned events include “the largest Mexican wave ever performed” and a “giant karaoke.”

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 30, 2023

The Mexican wave in a stadium looks like a pattern traveling across the tiers.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 29, 2023

Following the Changing the Guard, Mr Trump's helicopter - Marine One - whipped up dust from nearby Green Park as it flew overhead, eagerly followed by a Mexican wave of smartphones from the crowd below.

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2019

Some MPs tried to mark the occasion with a Mexican wave while the world’s TV cameras looked on in amazement.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 29, 2019