wah-wah

or wa-wa

[ wah-wah ]

adjective

1. 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

1. a sound or effect like the muted sound of a trumpet, especially in music.
2. an electronic device or attachment to produce such a sound, often used with an electric guitar.

wah-wah

/ ˈwɑːˌwɑː /

noun

1. the sound made by a trumpet, cornet, etc, when the bell is alternately covered and uncovered: much used in jazz
2. an electronic attachment for an electric guitar, etc, that simulates this effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of wah-wah¹

First recorded in 1925–30; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of wah-wah¹

C20: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

The "wah wah wah" teacher in Charlie Brown is easier to understand.

From The Daily Beast

A troop of long-armed wah-wah monkeys were scolding and whistling within its dense foliage with surprising intensity.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the death cry of a wah-wah monkey facing the cruel jaws of a crocodile.

From Project Gutenberg

He was the most ordinary kind of gray, jungle monkey, not even a wah-wah or spider face.

From Project Gutenberg

"Sun go down, great chief come," said Wah-wah-o-be, and there was no telling what or how much he would bring with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Wah-wah-o-be seemed to overlook any possible peril of losing her husband altogether.

From Project Gutenberg