SINCE 1828
would-be
adjective
\ ˈwu̇d-ˈbē
\
\
Definition of would-be
disparaging
: desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be
a would-be actor
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for would-be
would-be
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of would-be
—used to describe someone who hopes to be a particular person or type of person
See the full definition for would-be in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on would-be
What made you want to look up would-be? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!
-
- Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!
No tricks, just difficult words.
Take the quiz -
Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?
Which word entered the English language first?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share would-be
Resources for would-be