DictionaryAI

wasp

noun · WASP noun
WAHSP/wɑsp/UKWOSP/wɒsp/

Pluralwasps, WASPs, Wasps

5 meanings of wasp

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable
    A flying insect with a thin waist, often black and yellow, that can sting. Many related insects are also called wasps.

    A wasp flew into the kitchen and landed on the jam.

    Be careful, there are wasps near the trash can.

  2. 2
    white Protestantnoun · WASPUSacronym
    Short form of White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, a person from the group said to run America.

    Her grandparents were rich WASPs who lived in a big house in Connecticut.

    As a WASP from a wealthy family, he went to the best schools.

    UsageWrite it in capitals: WASP. It is often used to criticize old, rich families.

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 3
    noun
    Short form of Women Airforce Service Pilots, a group of women who flew planes for an air force in the past.
  2. 4
    nounrare
    A person who acts angry or rude and snaps at people.
  3. 5
    verbrare
    To move like a wasp, or to make a buzzing noise.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of wasp apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Old English wæsp or wæps. It may come from an old root meaning "to weave", for the woven look of the papery nests wasps build.