What is wave down? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of wave down in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of wave down

wave downphrasal verb
vẫy tay xuống
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Where does the word wave down come from?

The phrase "wave down" originated as a way to signal a driver to pull over by using waving gestures. It is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century, as motor vehicles became more common on roads and highways. Previously, people would hail a horse-drawn carriage or wagon by waving their arms or a handkerchief, a custom that continued into the era of automobiles. The term "wave down" gained prominence as a way to distinguish the new mode of transportation from traditional horse-drawn carriages. In this context, "wave down" meant using hand signals or gestures to attract the driver’s attention and signal them to stop. The practice of waving to signal has since fallen out of favor in many parts of the world due to safety concerns, but "wave down" remains a commonly used phrase in pop culture and everyday conversation.

Example of vocabulary wave downnamespace

The busy driver waved down the pedestrian to indicate he should cross the road.
The sailor signaled to his shipmates to wave down the approaching rescue boat.
The scientist eagerly waved down the experimental results to alert their colleagues of their significance.
The surfer signaled to his friends on the beach to wave down a passing lifeguard for help.
The busy executive waved down a taxi to take her to her next important meeting.