wah-wah

or wa-wa

[ wah-wah ]

/ ˈwɑˌwɑ /

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adjective

producing a muted, bawling sound like that of a trumpet with the hand moved momentarily over the bell: a wah-wah effect on a synthesizer; a guitar with a wah-wah pedal.

noun

a sound or effect like the muted sound of a trumpet, especially in music.

an electronic device or attachment to produce such a sound, often used with an electric guitar.

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Origin of wah-wah

First recorded in 1925–30; imitative

Words nearby wah-wah

Wahiawa, wahine, wahoo, Wahpekute, Wahpeton, wah-wah, wai, Waianae Mountains, waiata, waif, Waikaremoana

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use wah-wah in a sentence

Fung Wah is the best-known Chinatown bus company—a cultural icon for those of a certain age and demographic.
The Government’s Cheap, Dishonest Campaign Against the Chinatown Bus Industry|Jim Epstein|November 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Fung Wah is also fighting to gets its operating authority back with no set timetable.
The Government’s Cheap, Dishonest Campaign Against the Chinatown Bus Industry|Jim Epstein|November 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In the case of Fung Wah, state bus inspectors in Massachusetts were also partially to blame for what happened to the company.
The Government’s Cheap, Dishonest Campaign Against the Chinatown Bus Industry|Jim Epstein|November 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The "wah wah wah" teacher in Charlie Brown is easier to understand.
New ‘X Factor’ Judges. Same Horrible, Boring, Ridiculous Reality Show|Kevin Fallon|September 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The result is, my mother's prononciation will sound like 'wouh-duh,' while Justin's prononciation will sound more like 'wah-terr.'
This is America, But We Don't All Speak the Same English|Ilana Glazer|April 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Finding that the wire fence would not yield she said "Bah-wah" and started in another direction.
The Red Cow and Her Friends|Peter McArthur
Ah-shw-wah-roks-te, the Medicine Horse; a brave, or soldier.
Adventures of the Ojibbeway and Ioway Indians in England, France, and Belgium; Vol. I (of 2)|George Catlin
Wah-pn-jee-a, the Swan; a warrior; fine-looking fellow, with an European countenance.
Adventures of the Ojibbeway and Ioway Indians in England, France, and Belgium; Vol. I (of 2)|George Catlin
Toeines e e us ne dest; speke e apostle nawt toeines ore 60 hare ahne wah wrihe wi euch monnes sihe.
Selections from early Middle English, 1130-1250|Various
Indians formerly called the Yosemite Valley Ah-wah-nee, meaning "grassy valley."
Your National Parks|Enos A. Mills

British Dictionary definitions for wah-wah

wah-wah

/ (ˈwɑːˌwɑː) /

noun

the sound made by a trumpet, cornet, etc, when the bell is alternately covered and uncovered: much used in jazz

an electronic attachment for an electric guitar, etc, that simulates this effect

Word Origin for wah-wah

C20: of imitative 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