Definition of ain't
1
: am not : are not : is not
2
: have not : has not
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Is ain't a word?
Although widely disapproved as nonstandard, and more common in the habitual speech of the less educated, ain't is flourishing in American English. It is used in both speech and writing to catch attention and to gain emphasis.
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- the wackiness of movies, once so deliciously amusing, ain't funny anymore
- —Richard Schickel
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- I am telling you—there ain't going to be any blackmail
- —R. M. Nixon
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- the creative process ain't easy
- —Mike Royko
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- well—class it ain't
- —Cleveland Amory
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- for money? say it ain't so, Jimmy!
- —Andy Rooney
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- you ain't seen nothing yet
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- that ain't hay
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- two out of three ain't bad
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- if it ain't broke, don't fix it
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- Ain't She Sweet
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- It Ain't Necessarily So
Examples of ain't in a Sentence
It's a free country, ain't it?
Those people ain't got a clue.
Her husband left and she ain't never been the same.
Origin and Etymology of ain't
contraction of are not
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 1749
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearOther Grammar and Linguistics Terms
AIN'T Defined for Kids
Hint for ain't
Hint
Most people feel that ain't is not proper English. When you are trying to speak or write your best, you should avoid using ain't. Most people who use ain't use it especially when they are talking in a casual way, or in familiar expressions like “you ain't seen nothing yet.” Authors use it especially when a character is talking to help you understand what the character is like.
Learn More about ain't
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See words that rhyme with ain't Spanish Central: Translation of ain't Nglish: Translation of ain't for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ain't for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up ain't? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
