wanton

²wan·ton

noun \ˈwȯn-t^ən, ˈwän-\

Definition of WANTON

1

a : one given to self-indulgent flirtation or trifling —used especially in the phrase play the wanton b : a lewd or lascivious person

2

: a pampered person or animal : pet; especially : a spoiled child

3

: a frolicsome child or animal

Examples of WANTON

1. <at the office party, count on her to get drunk and play the wanton>
2. He practiced the anathema he would hurl at her from his pulpit when her shame was known—hussy, slut, harlot and wanton featured heavily … —James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
3. During the middle years of their marriage … his campaign to free his bride so that she could become a wanton had languished. —Andrew M. Greeley, Ascent into Hell, 1983
4. My informal education had begun the afternoon in Belleville Park when I discovered that girls were wantons willing to sneak away to shaded glades to be kissed. —Russell Baker, Growing Up, 1982

Origin of WANTON

(see ¹wanton)

First Known Use: 1509

Related to WANTON

Synonyms: flirter, flirt

Related Words: coquet; coquette, jade, soubrette; vamp

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