wigwag
Americanverb (used with or without object)
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to move to and fro.
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Nautical. to signal by movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.
noun
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Nautical. the act or process of sending messages by the movements of two flags or the like waved according to a code.
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a message so signaled.
verb
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to move (something) back and forth
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to communicate with (someone) by means of a flag semaphore
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of wigwag
1575–85; wig to wag (now dial.) + wag; gradational compound, parallel to zigzag, etc.
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.
See Examples For:
Lex not only brought us together but sent us down different paths than we’d been on before he gave us the wigwag.
From The New Yorker ● Jan. 25, 2016
From here, he can wigwag through the skylight into the kitchen when he is ready for lunch.
From Time Magazine Archive
A labor spokesman said in effect that Wilson was a liar, no such offer had been made "by personal conversation, mail, telephone, telegram, wigwag or smoke signal."
From Time Magazine Archive
Through distributors which the committee branded dummies, it gets its news by wigwag or telephone from the tracks, flashes it by Western Union teletype throughout the country.
From Time Magazine Archive
“What do you want to communicate?” was what he made out to be fashioned through the regular wigwag work of the flag.
From The Big Five Motorcycle Boys on the Battle Line Or, With the Allies in France by Ralph Marlow
He waved his silk hat at the man in the stand and President Roosevelt wigwagged back to Alfred Emanuel Smith.
From Time Magazine Archive
When war came, Herbert wagged his tongue in Commons less, wigwagged the semaphore flags on his river boat, Water Gipsy, more.
From Time Magazine Archive
For better visibility during World War II, landing signal officers on U.S. aircraft carriers wore fluorescent-striped uniforms, wigwagged planes to landings with fluorescent "paddles."
From Time Magazine Archive
Having wigwagged one relaxing message to the West, the Soviet boss felt called upon to resume his menace.
From Time Magazine Archive
The signal officer on the knoll behind the Stonewall wigwagged back.
From The Long Roll by Mary Johnston
There were signs that Johnson was wigwagging his open left hand as well as prominently displaying his clenched right fist.
From Time Magazine Archive
For the first time, Johnson seemed to be wigwagging a readiness to stop the bombing and enter into talks without advance guarantees or gestures from Hanoi.
From Time Magazine Archive
Zeppo and Chico were to play, Harpo to advise, Groucho to perch on a tower behind Culbertson wigwagging signals.
From Time Magazine Archive
Once, to distract batters, he began wigwagging and semaphoring at the plate from his second base position.
From Time Magazine Archive
She stopped short at sight of the floating log; watched it steadily for two or three minutes, wigwagging her ears; then began to feed greedily on the lily pads that fringed all the shore.
From Wood Folk at School by William Joseph Long
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