Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

would-be

adjective \ ˈwu̇d-ˈbē \

Definition of would-be

disparaging
: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be
  • a would-be actor

See would-be defined for English-language learners

See would-be defined for kids

WOULD-BE Defined for English Language Learners

would-be

adjective

Definition of would-be for English Language Learners

  • —used to describe someone who hopes to be a particular person or type of person

Learn More about would-be

  1. See words that rhyme with would-be Spanish Central: Translation of would-be Nglish: Translation of would-be for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of would-be for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

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

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

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