Waffle

/ˈwɒfəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A type of batter-based food cooked between two patterned plates, usually served as a breakfast item.

I had a delicious waffle topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast.

An act of hesitating or being indecisive about something.

His constant waffle over which college to attend left his parents feeling frustrated.

verb

To speak or write evasively or indecisively.

The politician tended to waffle on important issues, never giving a straight answer.

To alternate or fluctuate between options or opinions.

She waffled between two job offers for weeks before finally making a decision.

Middle English 'wafle', from Old North French 'wafel', from a Germanic source, related to 'waffle' in Dutch.

waffle on

to talk or write at length without making a clear point

don't waffle

do not hesitate or be indecisive

waffle iron

a kitchen appliance used to make waffles

vacillate

to alternate or waver between different opinions or actions

hesitate

to pause before saying or doing something, often due to uncertainty

indecisive

not having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively

to avoid answering a question directly

Stop waffling and give me a straight answer.

to change one's mind frequently

He's been waffling about his plans for the vacation.