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

Once only available in dermatologist offices and med spas, red and LED light therapy devices have become increasingly accessible for the average skin care enthusiast over the past few years, thanks to at-home devices like masks and portable wands. —Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 5 Dec. 2024

The entire time, the wand emits red light that’s clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin, and therapeutic warmth helps increase the absorption of skincare products, reduces redness and supports glowing skin. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024

It’s also got luxurious features like a digital touchscreen, bold brew setting, and steam wand for frothing milk. —Megan Wahn, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024

There are also several styles of masks—most are full-face masks, ranging from soft ones that wrap around your face to firm ones that channel your inner Iron Man, along with other variations like wands, neck masks, and more. —Nena Farrell, WIRED, 23 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