Main Entry: va·cant

Pronunciation: \ˈvā-kənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin vacant-, vacans, present participle of vacare to be empty, be free

Date: 14th century

1 : not occupied by an incumbent, possessor, or officer <a vacant office> <vacant thrones>
2 : being without content or occupant <a vacant seat on a bus> <a vacant room>
3 : free from activity or work : disengaged <vacant hours>
4 : devoid of thought, reflection, or expression <a vacant smile>
5 : not lived in <vacant houses>
6 a : not put to use <vacant land> b : having no heir or claimant : abandoned <a vacant estate>

synonyms see empty

— va·cant·ly adverb

— va·cant·ness noun