What does waw mean?
Waw is chiefly a Scots word with several related but distinct uses. As a noun, it can mean a small hole, especially one in cloth or leather, and it can also refer more generally to a flaw or defect. As a verb, it means to make a sharp cry, yelp, or bark-like sound. Waw can additionally function as an interjection of surprise, annoyance, or sudden attention, though this use is more characteristic of older or dialectal English. In specialist writing about writing systems, waw is the conventional English name for the twenty-seventh letter of the Arabic alphabet. The word is notable because a single form covers both a physical imperfection and a sudden vocal sound. It is not normally used in contemporary standard English outside explicitly Scots, dialectal, historical, or linguistic contexts, so its appearance usually signals regional texture or a specialized subject.
A small hole, especially in cloth, leather, or another material; by extension, a flaw or defect.
"The tailor pointed out a small waw in the leather."
Chiefly Scots and northern English; uncommon in general modern standard English.
To make a sharp cry, yelp, or bark-like sound.
"The terrier wawed at the approaching footsteps."
Chiefly a Scots or regional English verb.
An expression of surprise, vexation, or sudden attention.
"Waw, you have nearly spilled it!"
More characteristic of Scots, dialectal, and older English than of contemporary standard English.
The conventional English name of the twenty-seventh letter of the Arabic alphabet.
"The Arabic letter waw occurs in many loanwords and transliterations."
A specialized linguistic and transliteration term rather than an everyday English noun.
Used chiefly in the Scots sense of small holes or defects.
"The old saddlebag was covered in waws and worn patches."
Waw is a characterful Scots word: it can describe both a tiny hole and a sudden bark-like cry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waw
Waw is an English word of Scots origin, with senses recorded in Scottish and northern English usage for a hole, defect, or sharp cry. Its precise development is less certain than the later, specialized use of the name for the Arabic letter waw. The name ultimately represents the Arabic letter wāw and is used internationally in transliteration, phonology, and descriptions of Arabic script.
Related word forms
How waw is actually used
The hole and defect senses are especially associated with Scots English and are uncommon in general modern English. The verb sense is also Scots or Scottish regional usage, while the interjection may occur in older or dialectal English. The Arabic-letter sense belongs to linguistic and transliteration terminology rather than ordinary English vocabulary.
Easily confused with waw
Waw is a Scots term for a hole or, in another sense, a sudden cry or bark, whereas war denotes armed conflict.
Waw in Scots can mean a sudden cry or bark, while wow is an interjection expressing surprise, admiration, or amusement.