The meaning of WANT is to be needy or destitute. How to use want in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Want.

In informal situations, we can use want plus the to-infinitive to advise, recommend or warn. It is almost always in the present simple, but we can also use it with ’ll (the short form of will): …

If you want something, you feel a desire or a need for it. I want a drink. People wanted to know who this talented designer was. They began to want their father to be the same as other daddies.

Definition of want verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. The condition or quality of lacking something usual or necessary: stayed home for want of anything better to do. 2. Pressing need; destitution: lives in want. 3. Something desired: a …

Sep 20, 2025 · want (third-person singular simple present wants, present participle wanting, simple past and past participle wanted) (transitive) To wish for or desire (something); to feel a …

Want definition: to feel a need or a desire for; wish for.. See examples of WANT used in a sentence.

May 27, 2008 · To desire to see, speak to, or do business with; desire the presence or assistance of; de sire or require to do something: as, you are the very man we want; call me if I am …

to be without or be deficient in: to want judgment; to want knowledge. to fall short by (a specified amount): The sum collected wants but a few dollars of the desired amount.

Some common synonyms of want are covet, crave, desire, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.