wavy

¹ American  

[wey-vee] / ˈweɪ vi /

adjective

wavier, waviest

1. curving alternately in opposite directions; undulating.

   a wavy course;

   wavy hair.

2. abounding in or characterized by waves.

   the wavy sea.

3. resembling or suggesting waves.

   a cotton material with a wavy pattern.

4. vibrating or tremulous; wavering; unsteady.

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wavy ² American  

[wey-vee] / ˈweɪ vi /

noun

plural

wavies

1. wavey.

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wavy British  

/ ˈweɪvɪ /

adjective

1. abounding in or full of waves

2. moving or proceeding in waves or undulations

3. (of hair) set in or having waves and curls

4. unstable or wavering

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Usage

What does wavy mean? Popularized by hip-hop artist Max B, wavy is slang for something "cool," "chill," or "excellent."

Other Word Forms

• wavily adverb
• waviness noun

Etymology

Origin of wavy

First recorded in 1555–65; wave + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Normally stalling storms tend to be dying out, as they pull up cold water from the depths of the ocean and are exposed to wavy, up-and-down winds in the atmosphere tearing them apart.

From Barron's • Oct. 27, 2025

The same shimmering effect that makes distant horizons appear wavy on a hot day causes starlight to flicker and distort as it travels through the air.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2025

Loose wavy hair, fresh homemade cooking and a farmhouse aesthetic bring to mind “Little House on the Prairie” and help viewers forget the crises of the world outside.

From Salon • Sep. 22, 2025

Mahdawi, with wavy black hair, glasses, and a sharp black shirt, looked more restless than celebratory.

From Slate • Sep. 16, 2025

He was tall, with a great deal of wavy black hair and a small mustache.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

Related Words

• coiled
• curly
• curved
• sinuous