mayn't

contraction

ˈmā-ənt

ˈmānt

: may not

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of mayn't was circa 1631

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mayn't.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mayn%27t. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

mayn't

ˈmā-ənt

(ˈ)mānt

: may not

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

ziggurat

Listen to the pronunciation of ziggurat

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Words You Always Have to Look Up

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Popular

Words You Always Have to Look Up

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE