/ Dictionary / Index W want: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: want Pronunciation: (wont, wônt), [key] —v.i. to feel inclined; wish; like (often fol. by to): We can stay home if you want. to be deficient by the absence of some part or thing, or to feel or have a need (sometimes fol. by for): He did not want for abilities. to have need (usually fol. by for): If you want for anything, let him know. to be in a state of destitution, need, or poverty:her parents to want. She would never allow to be lacking or absent, as a part or thing necessary to completeness: All that wants is his signature. The cat wants in. to desire to enter or leave:The cat wants in. Informal.to desire acceptance in or release from something specified:I talked with Louie about our plan, and he wants in. —n. something wanted or needed; necessity: My wants are few. something desired, demanded, or required: a person of childish, capricious wants. absence or deficiency of something desirable or requisite; lack: plants dying for want of rain. the state of being without something desired or needed; need: to be in want of an assistant. the state of being without the necessaries of life; destitution; poverty: a country where want is virtually unknown. a sense of lack or need of something: to feel a vague want. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: want (Thesaurus) wannish want ad Related Content Daily Word Quiz: cetacean Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language