Standard Lemma guide

wah-wah

adj · intj · noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Modifying the resonance of musical notes to produce the effect of a human voice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

intj

Meaning 2

The sad trombone sound, used to indicate failure or disappointment, often used mockingly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, US, onomatopoeic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: womp womp

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A wavering sound produced by means of a movable mute or by electronic means.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To make a wah-wah sound.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Imitative.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: wah-wah — modifying the resonance of musical notes to produce the effect of a human voice
  • Japanese: ワウ (wau) — modifying the resonance of musical notes to produce the effect of a human voice
  • Polish: wah-wah — modifying the resonance of musical notes to produce the effect of a human voice
  • Italian: wawa — wavering sound
  • Polish: efekt wah-wah — wavering sound