wedge

/wed /
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wedge

A carpenter taps a wooden wedge into a log to split it.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A triangular piece of solid material used for splitting, tightening, or securing: A "wedge" is a simple tool, typically made of wood or metal, with a thick end that tapers to a thin edge. It is used to split materials apart, secure objects in place, or fill a gap.
    • Something shaped like a wedge: Any object or formation that has a triangular cross-section or a shape that is wide at one end and narrow at the other.
    • A golf club: An iron golf club with a heavy, angled head, designed to lift the ball into the air, especially from difficult lies like sand or rough grass.
    • A type of shoe heel: A heel on a shoe or boot that forms a continuous, solid piece with the sole, creating a wedge shape.
    • A diacritical mark: A mark (ˆ) placed over certain letters in some languages to indicate a specific pronunciation.
    • A large sandwich: A sandwich made with a long, cylindrical roll of bread that is split lengthwise and filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

  2. Verb:

    • To force apart or secure by driving a wedge: To split, tighten, or fix something in place using a wedge.
    • To squeeze or force into a narrow space: To fit something or oneself tightly into a confined gap or opening.
Examples of Usage

  • Noun:

    • He used a wooden wedge to keep the door from closing. (He used a wooden block to prevent the door from moving.)
    • The cheese was cut into a perfect wedge. (The cheese was shaped like a triangle.)
    • She selected her sand wedge for the bunker shot. (She chose her golf club designed for sand.)
    • She prefers to wear comfortable wedge heels. (She likes shoes with a solid, sloping heel.)
    • The word "crêpe" sometimes uses a wedge over the 'e'. (The letter may have a specific accent mark.)
    • I'll have an Italian wedge with extra peppers. (I'll order a large, filled sandwich.)

  • Verb:

    • They had to wedge the log before splitting it. (They inserted a tool to force the wood apart.)
    • I managed to wedge my suitcase into the overhead compartment. (I forced my bag into the tight space.)
Advanced Usage

  • "To drive a wedge between": To cause division or disagreement between people or groups.

    • His lies drove a wedge between the two old friends. (His falsehoods created a rift in their friendship.)

  • "The thin end of the wedge": A small, seemingly insignificant action that is likely to lead to more significant and often undesirable consequences.

    • Allowing one late submission is the thin end of the wedge; soon everyone will expect an extension. (It sets a problematic precedent.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Wedged (adj.): Firmly fixed or stuck in a tight position.

    • The drawer was wedged shut. (The drawer was stuck and wouldn't open.)

  • Wedging (n./v.): The act of forcing something apart or into a tight space.

    • The wedging of the rock took great effort. (The act of splitting the rock was difficult.)
Synonyms
  • Noun: Chock, block, shim, triangle, V-shape.
  • Verb: Jam, cram, force, squeeze, lodge.
Related Phrasal Verbs

  • Wedge in: To force something into a narrow space.

    • Can you wedge in one more book on that shelf? (Can you force another book to fit?)

  • Wedge open: To use a wedge to prevent something from closing.

    • We wedged the window open with a book. (We used a book to keep the window from shutting.)
Related Idioms
  • A wedge issue: A political or social issue that divides a group or population.
    • Tax reform became a wedge issue during the election. (The topic caused division among voters.)
wedge

A carpenter taps a wooden wedge into a log to split it.

Noun
  1. a block of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object
  2. something solid that is usable as an inclined plane (shaped like a V) that can be pushed between two things to separate them
  3. (golf) an iron with considerable loft and a broad sole
  4. a heel that is an extension of the sole of the shoe
  5. a diacritical mark (an inverted circumflex) placed above certain letters (such as the letter c) to indicate pronunciation
  6. a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States
  7. any shape that is triangular in cross section
Verb
  1. squeeze like a wedge into a tight space
    • I squeezed myself into the corner
  2. put, fix, force, or implant
    • lodge a bullet in the table
    • stick your thumb in the crack

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