waffle

[ wof-uh l ]

/ ˈwɒf əl /

Informal.

verb (used without object), waf·fled, waf·fling.

to speak or write equivocally: to waffle on an important issue.

verb (used with object), waf·fled, waf·fling.

to speak or write equivocally about: to waffle a campaign promise.

noun

waffling language.

Words nearby waffle

wafer, wafer-thin, waferboard, waff, waffen ss, waffle, waffle cloth, waffle slab, waffle weave, wafflestompers, wafs

Origin of waffle

1890–95; orig. dial. (Scots, N England): to wave about, flutter, waver, be hesitant; probably waff + -le

OTHER WORDS FROM waffle

waf·fler, nounwaf·fling·ly, adverbwaf·fly, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for waffly (1 of 2)

waffle¹

/ (ˈwɒfəl) /

noun

a crisp golden-brown pancake with deep indentations on both sides
(as modifier)waffle iron

Word Origin for waffle

C19: from Dutch wafel (earlier wæfel), of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wabo honeycomb

British Dictionary definitions for waffly (2 of 2)

waffle²

/ (ˈwɒfəl) informal, mainly British /

verb

(intr often foll by on) to speak or write in a vague and wordy mannerhe waffled on for hours

noun

vague and wordy speech or writing

Derived forms of waffle

waffler, nounwaffling, adjective, nounwaffly, adjective

Word Origin for waffle

C19: of unknown origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012