Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

devant

adverb
de·​vant | \ dəˈväⁿ\

Definition of devant

: in front : forward —used in ballet of the execution of a step or of the movement of an arm or leg in front of the body

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for devant

French, from Old French devant, davant, from de from (from Latin de) + avant before, from Latin abante

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about devant

Dictionary Entries near devant

devalue

Devanagari

devance

devant

devast

devastate

devastated

Statistics for devant

Look-up Popularity

Comments on devant

What made you want to look up devant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

parabolic

Listen to the pronounciation of parabolic

of or relating to a parable or parabola

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games