C2verbformalnaturelanguage
US/wæks/
UK/wæks/
to grow gradually larger or brighter; the moon does this before it becomes full
More often (verb): to put a thin layer of wax on a surface, or to remove body hair with wax
In context
The moon waxes for two weeks and then begins to wane.
Interest in the sport waxed and waned over the decades.
His enthusiasm waxed as the project began to succeed.
Words that go with wax
verb + adverb
- wax and waneHer popularity waxed and waned over the years.
- wax lyricalHe waxed lyrical about the food.
- wax poeticShe waxed poetic about her hometown.
adjective + noun
- waxing moonWe watched the waxing moon rise over the lake.
verb + adjective
- wax eloquentHe waxed eloquent about the beauty of the mountains.