plural defaults
1
—used to describe something that happens or is done when nothing else has been done or can be done —usually used in the phrase by default
No one else wanted the job, so he became the club's president by default.
Their decision was made by default. All of the other options were no longer possible.
We won the game by default when the other team failed to show up.
—sometimes used before another nounthe default winner
2
a
: a failure to make a payment (such as a payment on a loan)
She's in default on her loan. [=she missed a payment on her loan]
mortgage defaults
b
law
: failure to appear in court
The defendant has made no appearance in the case and is in default.
3
computers
: a setting, option, etc., that a computer uses if you do not choose a different one
You can enter your own settings or use the defaults.
Which font is the default in that computer program?
—often used before another nounthe computer's default settings
defaults; defaulted; defaulting
1
: to fail to do something that legally must be done
especially
: to fail to make the payments you must make on a loan, mortgage, etc.
He defaulted on his loan (payments).
If the borrower defaults, the bank can take the house.
2
of a computer
: to automatically use a particular setting, option, etc., unless you choose a different one
The program defaults to a standard font.
Cite this Entry
“Default.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/default. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.
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