wale

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈwāl How to pronounce wale (audio)
1
a
: a streak or ridge made on the skin especially by the stroke of a whip : welt
b
: a narrow raised surface : ridge
2
: any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship
—usually used in plural
3
a
: one of a series of even ribs in a fabric
b
: the texture especially of a fabric
4
: a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members

wale

2 of 4

verb (1)

waled; waling

transitive verb

: to mark with welts
wale the skin

wale

3 of 4

noun (2)

1
dialectal British : choice
2
dialectal British : the best part : pick

wale

4 of 4

verb (2)

waled; waling; wales
dialectal British
: choose

Examples of wale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Buy Now on Mr Porter: $325 Photo : Todd Snyder Todd Snyder Wide Wale Corduroy Weekend Pant in Khaki Wide wale corduroy is a grandpa-core staple. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English walu; akin to Old Norse vǫlr staff and perhaps to Old Norse valr round, Latin volvere to roll — more at voluble

Noun (2)

Middle English (Scots & northern dialect) wal, from Old Norse val; akin to Old High German wala choice, Old English wyllan to wish — more at will

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wale was before the 12th century

Rhymes for wale

See All Rhymes for wale

Browse Nearby Words

Waldsteinia
wale
walee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wale. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

wale

noun
ˈwā(ə)l
: a narrow raised surface or ridge
especially : one of a series of even ribs on a fabric (as corduroy)

More from Merriam-Webster on wale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wale

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