American English pronunciation

How to pronounce want

IPA transcription: ['wɑnt]

Pronunciation variants: ['wɑnt]['wɔnt]

Hear “want” pronounced

['wɑnt]

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['wɑnt]

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['wɑnt]

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Noun

  • the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable

    “there is a serious lack of insight into the problem”

    “water is the critical deficiency in desert regions”

    “for want of a nail the shoe was lost”

  • anything that is necessary but lacking

    “he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs”

    “I tried to supply his wants”

  • a specific feeling of desire

    “he got his wish”

    “he was above all wishing and desire”

  • a state of extreme poverty

Verb

  • feel or have a desire for; want strongly

    “I want to go home now”

    “I want my own room”

  • have need of

    “This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner”

  • hunt or look for; want for a particular reason

    “Your former neighbor is wanted by the FBI”

    “Uncle Sam wants you”

  • wish or demand the presence of

    “I want you here at noon!”

  • be without, lack; be deficient in

    “want courtesy”

    “want the strength to go on living”

    “flood victims wanting food and shelter”

Usage examples

  • All I want to do is be let alone.
  • The boy wanted to believe that his friend had simply become separated from him by accident.
  • If you want something you gotta go get it.
  • I know why I want to get back to my flock, he thought.
  • I know why I want to get back to my flock, he thought.
  • He wanted to forget about the vision, and return to his meditation.
  • I don't want any part of this thing.
  • "Bacardi, rye, vodka – what do you want?", asked the barkeeper.
  • I understand that you're going to want to bring the cops in on this, but I can't be here when you do.
  • I want you to be my wife.