Definition

1. Verb:
   • To signal by waving a flag, light, or other object back and forth according to a code: The primary meaning of "wigwag" is to communicate a message by moving a signaling device in a specific pattern.
   • To move or cause to move to and fro: In a more general sense, it can describe a rapid back-and-forth motion.

Usage

• As a verb (transitive and intransitive): "Wigwag" is used to describe the act of signaling or the motion itself.
  • The sailor wigwagged a warning to the other ship.
  • The semaphore flags wigwagged on the hilltop.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Before radios were common, ships would wigwag messages using lanterns at night.
  • The railroad worker wigwagged the red lantern to signal the train to stop.
  • The cat's tail wigwagged angrily.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Military Context: "Wigwag" is strongly associated with historical naval and military signaling, especially using the wigwag system (or aerial telegraphy) developed by Albert J. Myer.
  • Soldiers were trained to wigwag messages over long distances.

Variants and Related Words

• Wigwagging (n/gerund): The act or process of signaling in this manner.
  • The wigwagging continued until the message was received.

Synonyms

• Signal: To communicate using signs.
• Semaphore: To send signals by holding arms or flags in specific positions.
• Wave: To move something back and forth, though less specific to coded communication.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• None commonly associated: "Wigwag" is a specific technical term and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions.

Verb

1. signal by or as if by a flag or light waved according to a code
2. send a signal by waving a flag or a light according to a certain code