Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

wally

[wey-lee]
See more synonyms for wally on Thesaurus.com
adjective Scot.
  1. fine; splendid.
  2. strong.
Show More

Origin of wally

First recorded in 1490–1500; wale2 + -y1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for wally

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Wally straightened up with a fresh chunk of cake in his hand.

    Good Indian

    B. M. Bower

  • Wally and Jack hurried in from the kitchen and made for the doorway where he stood.

    Good Indian

    B. M. Bower

  • Wally, coming again alongside, turned his head, and regarded him attentively.

    Good Indian

    B. M. Bower

  • "I wish dad wasn't so—" began Wally moodily, and let it go at that.

    Good Indian

    B. M. Bower

  • Wally and Jack were sliding their chairs back from the table preparing to follow him.

    Good Indian

    B. M. Bower

British Dictionary definitions for wally

wally1

adjective Scot archaic
  1. fine, pleasing, or splendid
  2. robust or strong
Show More

Word Origin

C16: of obscure origin

wally2

adjective Central Scot dialect
  1. made of chinaa wally dug; a wally vase
  2. lined with ceramic tilesa wally close
Show More
See also wallies

Word Origin

from obsolete dialect wallow faded, adjectival use of wallow to fade, from Old English wealwian

wally3

noun plural -lies
  1. slang a stupid person
Show More

Word Origin

C20: shortened form of the given name Walter
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

Word Origin and History for wally

n.

term of admiration, Scottish, early 16c., of unknown origin. As a masc. proper name, a diminutive of Walter, and this might be the source of the teen slang term "unfashionable person" (1969).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper