writing on the wall

writ·ing on the wall

W w

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [rahy-ting on, awn stressed th ee wawl]
- /ˈraɪ tɪŋ ɒn, ɔn stressed ði wɔl/
- /ˈraɪtɪŋ ɒn ðə wɔːl/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [rahy-ting on, awn stressed th ee wawl]
- /ˈraɪ tɪŋ ɒn, ɔn stressed ði wɔl/

Definitions of writing on the wall words

noun writing on the wall writing done with a pen or pencil in the hand; script. 1
noun writing on the wall a style or manner of writing by hand, especially that which characterizes a particular person; penmanship: an eccentric handwriting. 1
noun writing on the wall a handwritten document; manuscript. 1
idioms writing on the wall handwriting on the wall, a premonition, portent, or clear indication, especially of failure or disaster: The company had ignored the handwriting on the wall and was plunged into bankruptcy. Also, writing on the wall. 1
noun writing on the wall warning sign 1
noun writing on the wall a sign or signs of approaching disaster 0

See all 6 definitions of writing on the wall

Information block about the term

Origin of writing on the wall

First appearance:

before 1375

One of the 22% oldest English words

1375-1425; late Middle English hand writyng; see hand + writing

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Writing on the wall

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Writing on the wall

writing on the wall popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 92% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

writing on the wall usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for writing on the wall

noun writing on the wall

bodement — a foreboding or omen; presentiment.
bodements — a foreboding or omen; presentiment.
foretoken — a sign of a future event; omen; forewarning.
forewarning — to warn in advance.
handwriting on the wall — writing done with a pen or pencil in the hand; script.

All 8 Synonyms of writing on the wall

Matching words

Was this page helpful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback! Tell your friends about this page

Tell us why?