wish

1 of 2

verb

wished; wishing; wishes

transitive verb

1
: to have a desire for (something, such as something unattainable)
wished he could live his life over
2
: to give expression to as a wish : bid
wish them good night
3
a
: to give form to (a wish)
b
: to express a wish for
c
: to request in the form of a wish : order
d
: to desire (a person or thing) to be as specified
cannot wish our problems away
4
: to confer (something unwanted) on someone : foist

intransitive verb

1
: to have a desire : want
wishing for more
2
: to make a wish
wish on a falling star
wisher noun

wish

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: an act or instance of wishing or desire : want
a wish to travel
b
: an object of desire : goal
2
a
: an expressed will or desire : mandate
b
: a request or command couched as a wish
3
: an invocation of good or evil fortune on someone
Choose the Right Synonym for wish

desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for.

desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

Examples of wish in a Sentence

Verb You may use the telephone, if you wish. She wished them a happy New Year. We wish you a Merry Christmas. Noun He has a wish to be reunited with his son. The genie will grant you three wishes. Send her my good wishes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Given the number and variety of components provided, those wishing to extend their knowledge will find hundreds of suitable projects online. Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024 This requires all who wish to support those directly affected by Helene, and others affected by the storms before and those to come, to consider long-term financial support for recovery solutions that strengthen communities in addition to immediate relief donations. Patricia McIlreavy, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Our aim is to honor and fulfill the wishes of Halyna and her family. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024 Families can hang out with Santa, give Santa their Christmas wishes and read stories. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wish 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English wisshen, from Old English wȳscan; akin to Old High German wunsken to wish, Sanskrit vāñchati he wishes, vanoti he strives for — more at win

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wish was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wish

Cite this Entry

“Wish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wish. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wish

1 of 2 verb
1
: to have a desire : long for : want
wish you were here
wish for a puppy
2
: to form or express a desire concerning
wished them a happy New Year
3
: to request by expressing a desire
I wish you to go now
wisher noun

wish

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: an act or instance of wishing or desire
a wish to travel
b
: an object of desire : goal
I got my wish—a good score on the test
2
: a wishing of good fortune
sends her best wishes

More from Merriam-Webster on wish

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