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wage
/weɪdʒ/
payment for labor
The company increased wages by 5% this year.
This means employees now earn 5% more for their work.
Finance
formal
A fixed regular payment, typically hourly or monthly, made by an employer to an employee for work or services rendered.
Minimum wage laws ensure workers earn a fair income.
These laws set the lowest legal amount employers must pay workers.
Wages are distinct from salaries, which are typically annual payments to professionals.
informal
To engage in a struggle or conflict, often metaphorically.
The two countries waged war for years.
They fought a prolonged military conflict.
This usage is less common and often appears in historical or literary contexts.
Collocations
wage growthan increase in average earningswage gapthe difference in pay between groups (e.g., genders)wage theftillegal underpayment of workers
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Wage vs. Salary
Use 'wage' for hourly or task-based pay and 'salary' for fixed annual payments to professionals.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
The noun 'wage' is formal in business contexts, while the verb 'wage' is often literary or historical.
Word Origin
From Middle English *wage*, from Old North French *wage*, from Frankish *wādi* (pledge, agreement), from Proto-Germanic *wēdiz (pledge). Related to Old English *wād* (pledge).
Usage Notes
In modern usage, 'wage' typically refers to hourly or piece-rate pay, while 'salary' refers to a fixed annual payment. The verb form 'wage' (e.g., 'wage war') is archaic but still appears in formal contexts.
Word Breakdown
wage
payment for labor
rootEnglish Dictionary