WordGarden.iowall
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɔːl/
US
- /ˈwɔl/
Meanings
Noun
a vertical structure that encloses, supports, or divides a space
a barrier that blocks progress, access, or emotional connection
Verb
to surround, block, or seal off with a wall
Beyond the definition
A wall isn't just bricks and mortar! It can be a physical barrier—like the heavy stone walls of a castle protecting its inhabitants. But "wall" also describes something that feels like a barrier, such as an emotional wall someone puts up to protect themselves, or a "wall of silence" following an argument. You might even "hit the wall" during a marathon; it's not a literal structure, but a point where you feel completely blocked and exhausted.
Walls have been around for millennia, from the Great Wall of China built to keep invaders out, to the internal walls we build in our own minds to shield ourselves from hurt. You might scale a rock climbing wall for fun, or find yourself talking to a brick wall when trying to get your point across to someone who won't listen! In literature, walls often symbolize division and separation—think of the metaphorical walls between families or social classes.
The word "wall" most commonly refers to a vertical structure that defines an area, provides shelter, or acts as a barrier. This could be the stone wall surrounding a medieval fortress, the drywall separating rooms within a house, or a retaining wall supporting a hillside. Ultimately, walls are built for protection, privacy, and security—both physically and metaphorically.
However, the concept of a "wall" extends far beyond physical architecture. We often use it to describe anything that obstructs progress or creates separation. To "hit a wall" means to reach a point of sudden exhaustion or insurmountable difficulty in a task. An "emotional wall" describes a person's reluctance to open up or connect with others, while a "wall of silence" refers to a collective refusal to communicate or share information.
The symbolism of walls is historically significant. They have long represented defense and division—notable examples include Hadrian's Wall, which marked the edge of Roman Britain, or the Berlin Wall, which symbolized the Cold War divide. In literature and art, walls often represent isolation, confinement, or the daunting obstacles a protagonist must overcome to find freedom.
You will also encounter "wall" in several common English idioms: a "brick wall" is an insurmountable obstacle; to be "up against the wall" means to be in a desperate or high-pressure situation; and a "wallflower" refers to someone who is shy and remains on the sidelines at social events. Whether it is a physical barrier, a metaphorical obstruction, or a symbol of division, the word "wall" speaks to the boundaries we create and the challenges we face in overcoming them.
Examples
- 1
House damage
There's a small crack in the kitchen wall.
- 2
Wall display
She hung a map on the wall above her desk.
- 3
Waiting
He leaned against the wall while he waited for the elevator.
- 4
Garden boundary
They built a low stone wall around the garden.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Historic defenses
The old city walls are still standing after hundreds of years.
- 6
Emotional distance
After the divorce, he put up a wall and stopped talking about his feelings.
- Phraseput up a wall
stop letting other people get emotionally close
- 7
Afternoon fatigue
I always hit a wall in the afternoon if I skip lunch.
- Phrasehit a wall
suddenly feel unable to continue
- 8
Refusing comment
When reporters asked about the mistake, they were met with a wall of silence.
- Phrasea wall of silence
complete refusal to answer
- 9
Heavy rain
We drove straight into a wall of rain on the highway.
- Phrasea wall of rain
very heavy rain that feels like a barrier
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- wallnounverb
Forms
- wallspluralnounverb
- walledpast tenseverbnoun
- walling-ing formverbnoun