wand

noun

ˈwänd 

1

: a slender staff carried in a procession : verge

2

: a slender rod used by conjurers and magicians

3

: a slat six feet by two inches used as a target in archery

also : a narrow strip of paper pasted vertically on a target face

4

: any of various pipelike devices

especially : the rigid tube between the hose and the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner

5

: a handheld device used to enter information (as from a bar code) into a computer

Examples of wand in a Sentence

The cashier used a wand to scan the bar code.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether you’re stressed about wrinkles or loose skin, this wand can promote your skin’s radiance while tightening your skin and reducing fine lines. —Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024

The Wand Wine Filter 8-Pack This wine purifier wand removes histamines and sulfites from red and white wine—the ultimate gift for any wine enthusiast! —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

If a medical implant sets off the metal detector, the person will be subject to a follow-up screening that may include a hand wand or light pat-down search. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2024

The necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings display key motifs from the story, like witch hats, hot air balloons, butterflies, wands and potion bottles. —Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, slender stick, from Old Norse vǫndr; probably akin to Old English windan to wind, twist — more at wind entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing wand

• magic wand

Kids Definition

wand

noun

ˈwänd 

1

: a slender rod used in performing magic

2

: a light rod or tube