Definition of wanton
(Entry 1 of 3)
b
: having no just foundation or provocation : malicious
a wanton attack
2
: being without check or limitation: such as
a
: unduly lavish : extravagant
wanton imagination
b
: luxuriantly rank
wanton vegetation
4a
: playfully mean or cruel : mischievous
wanton
nounDefinition of wanton (Entry 2 of 3)
1a
: one given to self-indulgent flirtation or trifling
—used especially in the phrase play the wanton
b
: a lewd or lascivious person
3
: a frolicsome child or animal
wanton
verb
wantoned; wantoning; wantons
Definition of wanton (Entry 3 of 3)
: to be wanton or act wantonly (see wanton entry 1)
: to pass or waste wantonly or in wantonness
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for wanton
The first known use of wanton was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century