What does wonder mean?
Wonder is a versatile English word expressing both astonishment and curiosity. As a noun, it can refer to the intense amazement or fascination inspired by something remarkable, as in a child's wonder at the stars, or to an extraordinary person, place, or achievement. As a verb, it means to be curious or puzzled about something: "We wondered why the room was empty." The word often suggests a mixture of admiration and inquiry, making it more reflective than simple surprise and more emotionally rich than mere curiosity. In phrases such as "a sense of wonder" and "no wonder," it is especially associated with discovery, beauty, and the desire to understand the unfamiliar. Its history also gives it a memorable quality: the English word descends from an Old English term for a marvelous portent, showing how closely wonder has long been linked with things that seem extraordinary.
A feeling of amazement, awe, or intense curiosity, especially when confronted with something remarkable or unfamiliar; also, a remarkable or extraordinary person, place, or thing.
"The ancient forest inspired a sense of wonder in every visitor."
The phrase "a sense of wonder" is especially common. The second sense, referring to a remarkable person or thing, is less frequent but established.
To feel curiosity or amazement about something, or to speculate about an unknown fact or outcome.
"I wonder what the children decided to do after school."
Usually followed by an indirect question using "how," "why," "whether," or a similar expression.
Used for multiple remarkable people, places, things, or achievements, and occasionally for individual instances of amazement or marveling.
"The world's natural wonders continue to inspire visitors."
Wonder began in Old English as a word for a marvelous portent: something so striking that people had to stop and ask, "What is this?"
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wonder come from?
Wonder descends from Old English wundor, meaning a marvel, portent, or awe-inspiring thing. The word is related to cognates in other Germanic languages, including Old Norse undr and modern German Wunder. In English, its meaning developed from referring to a marvelous phenomenon toward the modern senses of amazement, admiration, and curiosity.
Related word forms
How wonder is actually used
The noun often appears in the expression "a sense of wonder" and conveys a combination of admiration, amazement, and curiosity. As a verb, it commonly takes a clause introduced by "how," "why," or "whether," as in "I wonder how they knew."
Easily confused with wonder
Wonder means to feel curiosity or amazement, whereas wander means to move without a fixed course or destination.