wondrous
Americanadjective
adverb
adjective
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of wondrous
1490–1500; metathetic variant of Middle English wonders (genitive of wonder ) wonderful; cognate with German Wunders; spelling conformed to -ous
Explanation
The adjective wondrous is a great word to use when you're describing something amazing or delightful. You could talk about the wondrous view of the ocean from the cliffs where you're standing. There's a hint of magic and awe about the word wondrous. It describes things that inspire wonder, like a wondrous imaginary land or a wondrous display of beautiful, elaborate cakes at a pastry shop. The root is the Old English wundor, "marvelous thing, or object of astonishment." Wondrous is tricky to spell because it's missing the e in wonder.
Vocabulary lists containing wondrous
"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Beowulf vocabulary
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Wondrous, overspilling yet always recognizably human, this novel is remarkable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025
No announcements were made regarding some fan-favorite shows that ran in 2023, including the Disneyland parade Magic Happens and the nighttime Disneyland show Wondrous Journeys.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2023
Disneyland will debut a nighttime show called Wondrous Journeys on Jan. 27 with a new song and projections around the park.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2023
Wondrous and transfixing, it was the almost-full moon.
From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2022
Wondrous aromas of potatoes, onions, smoked meat, and spices mixed to warm our faces and tease our nostrils.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
