have-not

noun

ˈhav-ˌnät How to pronounce have-not (audio)
-ˈnät
: one that is poor especially in material wealth

Examples of have-not in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In my perspective, the real fear isn't AI itself but the fear of being sorted into a class of the haves and have-nots. Cheryl Goodman, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 To understand the chasm between programs like Oakland’s and Kentucky’s, consider the newest measure that separates the haves and have-nots: name, image and likeness funds. Billy Witz, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 And in an election year, with two presidential candidates who tend to further exacerbate an existing divide, a haves and have-nots housing market doesn’t help. Byalena Botros, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2024 And this situation is widening the divide between the haves and have-nots. Matt Egan, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 There’s already a gulf opening in society between the technological haves and have-nots. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The division between the technological haves and have-nots will only continue to grow. Naomi Alderman, WIRED, 14 Jan. 2024 The ballooning value of property in America is exacerbating the gap between the haves and have-nots. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2024 Homeowners, first-time homebuyers, and renters But the mortgage market has also split into haves and have-nots, in Bachman’s words—and longtime homeowners are coming out on top. Alena Botros, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'have-not.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of have-not was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near have-not

Cite this Entry

“Have-not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have-not. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

have-not

noun
ˈhav-ˌnät,
-ˈnät
: one that is poor in material wealth

More from Merriam-Webster on have-not

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!