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Definition of wanton
1a archaic : hard to control : undisciplined, unrulyb : playfully mean or cruel : mischievous
2a : lewd, bawdyb : causing sexual excitement : lustful, sensual
3a : merciless, inhumane wanton crueltyb : having no just foundation or provocation : malicious a wanton attack
4 : being without check or limitation: such asa : luxuriantly rank wanton vegetationb : unduly lavish : extravagant wanton imagination
wantonly
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of wanton in a Sentence
No artist should be subjected to this much wanton affection: it's unseemly, like being hugged by a stranger who won't let go. —James Wolcott, New Republic, 30 Aug. 2004
I also wrote that innocent people would die as a consequence of the wanton, lawless destruction of medical stocks in a dirt-poor country. —Christopher Hitchens, Nation, 31 May 1999
While I was happy to find Mr. Pollan firmly allied with those of us who oppose the wanton broadcast of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers on lawn and garden, I wish he had lingered a little longer over this vital subject. —Maxine Kumin, New York Times Book Review, 9 June 1991
Vandals were guilty of the wanton destruction of the school property.
They were accused of wanton cruelty toward animals.
He showed a wanton disregard for his friend's feelings.
a life of wanton luxury
Recent Examples of wanton from the Web
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Once the site of wanton boat trips with Brad Pitt and Matt Damon (like a real-life Ocean’s Eleven!), Lake Como may never be the same now that Ella and Alexander are here.
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Bell, who was arrested Wednesday after leading police on a short car chase, is also charged with six counts of wanton endangerment, fleeing or evading police, possession of marijuana and criminal mischief.
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No drunken screaming matches with roommates or wanton drug use.
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According to the report, running back Quinton Baker, receiver Xavier Lane, linebacker Tyler Obee and defensive back Cecil Stallings were charged with complicity to wanton endangerment, complicity to assault and criminal trespass.
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Hope Mom enjoys public vaginal swabbing, oddly wanton death, endless semen jokes, the occasional fart noise and the grossest tapeworm gag put to film.
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Danish historian and linguist Niels Matthias Petersen identified her as Queen Gunhild of Norway, who, legend tells us, died around 970, and was notoriously cruel, clever, wanton and domineering.
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In the Age of Trump, when coastal elites have been derided as divorced from the struggles and sacrifices of the rural poor and suburban blue-collar workers, the Met Ball red carpet offered a master class in wanton delusion and preening celebrity.
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The Kremlin does this by flooding television and digital media with biased coverage and wanton spin.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wanton'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of wanton
Middle English, from wan- deficient, wrong, mis- (from Old English, from wan deficient) + towen, past participle of teen to draw, train, discipline, from Old English tēon — more at 1tow
Definition of wanton
1a : one given to self-indulgent flirtation or trifling —used especially in the phrase play the wantonb : a lewd or lascivious person
2 : a pampered person or animal : pet; especially : a spoiled child
3 : a frolicsome child or animal
Examples of wanton in a Sentence
He practiced the anathema he would hurl at her from his pulpit when her shame was known—hussy, slut, harlot and wanton featured heavily … —James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
During the middle years of their marriage … his campaign to free his bride so that she could become a wanton had languished. —Andrew M. Greeley, Ascent into Hell, 1983
My informal education had begun the afternoon in Belleville Park when I discovered that girls were wantons willing to sneak away to shaded glades to be kissed. —Russell Baker, Growing Up, 1982
Recent Examples of wanton from the Web
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The extremists have left a trail of wanton, sometimes bizarre, destruction.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wanton'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of wanton
see 1wanton
Definition of wanton
intransitive verb
transitive verb
: to pass or waste wantonly or in wantonness
wantoner
nounExamples of wanton in a Sentence
It might well be, said Mrs McNab, wantoning on with her memories; they had friends in eastern countries; gentlemen staying there, ladies in evening dress; she had seen them once through the dining-room door all sitting at dinner. —Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse, 1927
… for Nature here / Wantoned as in her prime and played at will / Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss. —John Milton, Paradise Lost, 1667
Origin and Etymology of wanton
see 1wanton
WANTON Defined for English Language Learners
wanton
playDefinition of wanton for English Language Learners
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: showing no thought or care for the rights, feelings, or safety of others
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: not limited or controlled
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of a woman : having sex with many men
WANTON Defined for Kids
Law Dictionary
wanton
playLegal Definition of wanton
: manifesting extreme indifference to a risk of injury to another that is known or should have been known : characterized by knowledge of and utter disregard for probability of resulting harm a wanton act by such wanton or willful misconduct — see also reckless
wantonly
adverbwantonness
nounAdditional Notes on wanton
Wanton reckless, and willful are often used to refer to an aggravated level of negligence that borders on intent and that is often ground for an award of punitive damages.
Learn More about wanton
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wanton Spanish Central: Translation of wanton Nglish: Translation of wanton for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of wanton for Arabic speakers
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