wigwag

[ wig-wag ]

/ ˈwɪgˌwæg /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR wigwag ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with or without object), wig·wagged, wig·wag·ging.

to move to and fro.

Nautical. to signal by movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.

noun

Nautical. the act or process of sending messages by the movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.

a message so signaled.

Nearby words

wigmaker, wigman, wigner, wigtown, wigtownshire, wigwag, wigwam, wiki, wiki weapon, wikileaked, wikitorial

Origin of wigwag

1575–85; wig to wag (now dial.) + wag; gradational compound, parallel to zigzag, etc.

Related forms

wig·wag·ger, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for wigwag

Unlike the "wigwag" system, the whole letter is shown at once.
A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee"|Russell Doubleday
Mr. Wells has perfected a method of signalling by means of wigwag, light, smoke, or whistle which is as simple as it is effective.
Taxidermy|Leon Luther Pray
When Frank related the story of the night, in his presence, he laughed and asked for the wigwag code which Frank had used.
Boy Scouts in the Philippines|G. Harvey Ralphson
The signal outfit consists of the International Code, Navy numerals and wigwag flags.
Jersey City and its Historic Sites|Harriet Phillips Eaton

But I tell you right now, after this I'm going in for wigwag work the hardest you ever saw.
The Boy Scouts in the Rockies|Herbert Carter

British Dictionary definitions for wigwag

wigwag

/ (ˈwɪɡˌwæɡ) /

verb -wags, -wagging or -wagged

to move (something) back and forth

to communicate with (someone) by means of a flag semaphore

noun

a system of communication by flag semaphore
the message signalled

Derived Forms

wigwagger, noun

Word Origin for wigwag

C16: from obsolete wig, probably short for wiggle + wag 1

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