What does "wank" mean?
An act of masturbation.
Wank
name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·1 syllable ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An act of masturbation.
- Grammar: wank is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: fool, fuck off, hand job, jack off.
- Useful contrasts: abstain, avoid, honest person.
- Usage evidence: That is why I'm compelled to wank.
How to use "wank"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "wank" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "wank" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "wank" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "wank" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "wank" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "fool" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "wank", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An act of masturbation. Commonwealth, Ireland, UK, countable, slang, vulgar
"He’s having a wank!"
- 2 slang for masturbation wordnet
- 3 An undesirable person. Commonwealth, Ireland, UK, countable, derogatory, slang, vulgar
"You utter wank! How could you behave like that?"
- 4 Nonsense, rubbish. Commonwealth, Ireland, UK, slang, uncountable, vulgar
"This opera is wank."
- 5 Ridiculous, circular or inappropriately elaborate argument about something, especially if obnoxious, pretentious or unsubstantial. Commonwealth, Internet, Ireland, UK, slang, uncountable, vulgar
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Drama, turmoil, or disagreement within a fannish space. Commonwealth, Ireland, UK, countable, slang, uncountable
"Sometimes those involved in the wank will attempt to steer discussion by disguising themselves with a different user name and posting their own support."
Verb
- 1 To masturbate. Commonwealth, Ireland, UK, ambitransitive, intransitive, slang
"I was so embarrassed when my mother caught me wanking."
- 2 get sexual gratification through self-stimulation wordnet
- 3 To argue in an inappropriate manner or about pretentious or insubstantial matters; to engage in wank. Commonwealth, Internet, Ireland, UK, intransitive, slang, vulgar
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"That is why I'm compelled to wank."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "wank"?
Common synonyms include: fool, fuck off, hand job, jack off, jacking off, jerk.
How do you use "wank" in a sentence?
That is why I'm compelled to wank.
Etymology
Origin unknown. First known use as a verb is 1905, as a noun 1948. Perhaps compare regional slang term wang, whang (“to whack or beat”). Compare Dutch wanken (“to move back and forth; move with the hands”).