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

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

• rolling