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
What's that Smell?! Quiz
-
- Someone who is hircine smells like a:
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
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
Share would-be
Resources for would-be