wa-wa

[ wah-wah ]
/ ˈwɑˌwɑ /

noun

wah-wah.

Words nearby wa-wa

w/m, w/o, w8, wa, wa', wa-wa, waaaf, waac, waadt, waaf, waal

Definition for wa-wa (2 of 2)

wah-wah

or wa-wa

[ wah-wah ]
/ ˈwɑˌwɑ /

adjective

producing a muted, bawling sound like that of a trumpet with the hand moved momentarily over the bell: a wah-wah effect on a synthesizer; a guitar with a wah-wah pedal.

noun

a sound or effect like the muted sound of a trumpet, especially in music.
an electronic device or attachment to produce such a sound, often used with an electric guitar.

Origin of wah-wah

First recorded in 1925–30; imitative

Example sentences from the Web for wa-wa

  • A good many of the worst knocked about were talking a bit wild, but I never heard the guy with the Chinook wa-wa again.

    Sea-Hounds |Lewis R. Freeman

  • Several forks, into which the river is divided, unite to the west of Wa-wa.

    Three Years in Western China |Alexander Hosie

British Dictionary definitions for wa-wa

wah-wah
/ (ˈwɑːˌwɑː) /

noun

the sound made by a trumpet, cornet, etc, when the bell is alternately covered and uncovered: much used in jazz
an electronic attachment for an electric guitar, etc, that simulates this effect

Word Origin for wah-wah

C20: of imitative origin