undulate

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

verb (used without object)

undulated, undulating 

1. to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement.

   The flag undulates in the breeze.

2. to have a wavy form or surface; bend with successive curves in alternate directions.

3. (of a sound) to rise and fall in pitch.

   the wail of a siren undulating in the distance.

verb (used with object)

undulated, undulating 

1. to cause to move in waves.

2. to give a wavy form to.

adjective

1. Also undulated having a wavelike or rippled form, surface, edge, etc.; wavy.

undulate

/ ˈʌndjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to move or cause to move in waves or as if in waves

2. to have or provide with a wavy form or appearance

adjective

1. having a wavy or rippled appearance, margin, or form

   an undulate leaf

Other Word Forms

• undulator noun
• nonundulate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin undulātus waved, equivalent to und(a) “wave” + -ul(a) -ule + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulate¹

C17: from Latin undulātus, from unda a wave

Example Sentences

Then, as now, she couldn’t stop watching the undulating group of animals.

Read more on Literature

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.

Read more on Science Daily

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.

Read more on Barron's

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• billow 
• wobble