I. ˈwən-dər noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wundor; akin to Old High German wuntar wonder
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : a cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel
it's a wonder you weren't killed
the pyramid is a wonder to behold
b. : miracle
2. : the quality of exciting amazed admiration
3.
a. : rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience
b. : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty
II. verb
( won·dered ; won·der·ing -d(ə-)riŋ)
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to be in a state of wonder
b. : to feel surprise
2. : to feel curiosity or doubt
wonder ing about the future
transitive verb
: to be curious or in doubt about
wonder s why birds sing
• won·der·er -dər-ər noun
III. adjective
Date: 12th century
: wondrous , wonderful : as
a. : exciting amazement or admiration
wonder toys
b. : effective or efficient far beyond anything previously known or anticipated
a wonder fabric