American Dictionary

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Definition want in American English

want verb

[transitive] verb
/wɑnt/
1

to feel that you would like to have, keep, or do something

Example

Do you still want these old letters?

Example

What do you want for your birthday?

Example

Liz wants to go to the circus.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to feel that you would like someone to do something or would like something to happen

Example

Her parents didn't want her to marry him.

Example

I wish I knew exactly what they wanted of me.

Example

Mrs. Miller wants the entire house repainted.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

to feel that you would like someone or something to be in a particular place or doing a particular job

Example

I want those boxes out of the living room by tomorrow!

Example

We want Stephen as chairman.

Synonyms and related words
1.3

to ask for someone because you would like to see or speak to them

Example

Mom wants you - she's in the kitchen.

Example

You're wanted on the telephone.

Example

The principal wants you in her office after school.

Synonyms and related words
2

to need something

Example

We desperately want rain.

Example

You won't want much money on a camping trip.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

if something wants doing, it needs to be done

Example

This bill wants paying.

Synonyms and related words
2.2

to deserve something

Example

That rascal! He wants a good kick up the backside!

Synonyms and related words
3

used for telling someone what they should do

Example

You want to take Pine Street - it's faster.

4

to feel that you would like to have sex with someone

Example

She wanted him more than ever.

Synonyms and related words
Definition want in American English