waffle
1 Americannoun
adjective
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
- waffler noun
- waffling adjective
- wafflingly adverb
- waffly adjective
Etymology
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Be honest with yourself: Are you really going to use the dusty waffle maker in your kitchen cabinet?
From MarketWatch • Feb. 23, 2026
“His last delivery was Korean fried chicken: A whole chicken, kimchi fried rice and waffle fries,” Jackson says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025
I usually get a skillet or an omelet, then combine that with a waffle.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2025
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 • Sep. 16, 2025
Dad pours pale batter over our waffle iron.
From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.