waif Definition
- 1a homeless and helpless person, especially a neglected or abandoned child
- 2a stray animal
Using waif: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "waif" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The city is full of waifs and strays.
Example
She was a waif who had been taken in by the church.
Example
The shelter takes care of waif animals.
Example
The little girl looked like a waif with her ragged clothes and unkempt hair.
waif Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for waif
Antonyms for waif
Phrases with waif
Example
The fashion industry has long celebrated the waif look, with models sporting skinny frames and minimal makeup.
Example
The charity organization provides support for waifs and strays, including both people and animals.
waif-like
having the appearance of a waif, typically thin and fragile
Example
Her waif-like figure made her stand out among the other models on the runway.
Origins of waif
from Old French 'guaif', meaning 'stray beast'
Summary: waif in Brief
'Waif' [weɪf] refers to a homeless and helpless person, particularly a neglected or abandoned child, or a stray animal. It can also describe a thin and fragile appearance, as in 'waif look.' The term 'waif and stray' denotes a person or thing that is homeless or without an owner.
