have-not

noun

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

Examples of have-not in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in this clash of haves and have-nots, are Josh and Lindsay really among the privileged? Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 As federal political priorities shift towards deregulation and massive funding cuts — like the recent $600 million reduction for California and three other states — the gap between the health-haves and have-nots is becoming a chasm. Markos Kounalakis, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026 Make a list of haves and have-nots. Kat McGowan, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026 The gap between the haves and have-nots isn’t going to narrow any time soon, especially since the priorities of the athletes themselves have changed. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for have-not

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Have-not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have-not. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

have-not

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

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