Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

waxing

American  
[wak-sing] / ˈwæk sɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or process of applying wax, as in polishing or filling.

  2. the manufacturing of a phonograph record.

  3. the act or technique of applying a depilatory wax to the body for removing hair.


Other Word Forms

  • nonwaxing adjective

Etymology

Origin of waxing

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; wax 1, -ing 1

Compare meaning

How does waxing compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Vocabulary lists containing waxing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And they really started to change when subpar waxing cost Randall a medal at the 2014 Olympics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

“Fed leaders would be well served to skip opportunities to share their latest musings. The swivel-chair problem, rhetorically waxing and waning with the latest data release, is common and counterproductive,” Warsh said last April.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

Robyn’s not interested in waxing poetic about society’s expectations of her as a mother.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2026

As heartfelt as that night’s musicians were in their speeches, bartender Dan Shapiro said waxing sentimental onstage has been the norm for weeks.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

“I better not see any scratches on my Cadillac, or someone named Russ is going to be waxing and buffing all day tomorrow,” says Mr. Allen.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick