undulate

[uhn-juh-leyt, uhn-dyuh-, -duh-, uhn-juh-lit, -leyt, uhn-dyuh-, -duh-]

verb (used without object)

undulated, undulating 

1. to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement.

   The flag undulates in the breeze.

2. to have a wavy form or surface; bend with successive curves in alternate directions.

3. (of a sound) to rise and fall in pitch.

   the wail of a siren undulating in the distance.

verb (used with object)

undulated, undulating 

1. to cause to move in waves.

2. to give a wavy form to.

adjective

1. Also undulated having a wavelike or rippled form, surface, edge, etc.; wavy.

undulate

/ ˈʌndjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to move or cause to move in waves or as if in waves

2. to have or provide with a wavy form or appearance

adjective

1. having a wavy or rippled appearance, margin, or form

   an undulate leaf

Other Word Forms

• undulator noun
• nonundulate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin undulātus waved, equivalent to und(a) “wave” + -ul(a) -ule + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulate¹

C17: from Latin undulātus, from unda a wave

Example Sentences

A black and gilt disco vibe permeates the 500-capacity space, from the undulating wood ceiling made from salvaged Hollywood Bowl seats to velveteen booths and a winking poster advertising Quaaludes.

From Los Angeles Times

The Italian sectional that Tony was sitting on when we spoke had undulating seats in molded plastic, and was marked at around $9,000.

From Los Angeles Times

They jutted their hips in ways that seemed stilted, like baby deer learning to walk, while their arms hovered elegantly, undulating like swan wings.

From Los Angeles Times

Tillman, by the way, is fantastic here – moving and undulating along with the instrumentalists, lacing the music's joy with the character's menace.

From Salon

Great undulating waves of rubble make it all but impossible to make out the geography of this once bustling, tightly packed refugee camp.

From BBC

Related Words

• billow 
• wobble