wants; wanted; wanting
1
: to desire or wish for (something)
Do you want more coffee?
He wants a bicycle for his birthday.
I just wanted a chance to rest.
She wanted more time to finish the test.
Do you want anything from the store?
What do you want for Christmas?
You can choose whichever color you want.
—often followed by to + verbShe wants to go to college next year.
I want to be alone.
"How old are you?" "Well, if you really want to know, I'm 52."
I'm supposed to work late tonight, but I really don't want to (do it).
You can do whatever you want to (do).
You can say what you want (to say) about his personality, but there's no denying that he is efficient.
I was so angry that I wanted to scream. [=that I felt like screaming]
2
a
: to need (something)
Our house wants painting.
The motor wants a tune-up.
b
: to be without (something needed) : lack
Thousands of poor people still want food and shelter.
He's not the most talented player, but he doesn't want self-confidence. [=he has a lot of self-confidence]
3
not used in progressive tenses
a
: to wish or demand to see or talk to (someone)
Tell him that the teacher wants him.
The police want him for questioning.
You're wanted on the phone. [=someone wants to speak to you on the phone]
b
: to desire (someone) to do something
Your mother wants you to come home.
I just want him to be honest with me.
Do you want me to bring back your book?
—sometimes + for in informal U.S. EnglishI want for you to do this. = What I want is for you to do this.
c
: to seek (someone) in order to make an arrest
The police want him for murder.
—usually used as (be) wantedThe suspect was wanted for murder.
one of the nation's most wanted criminals
4
always followed by an adverb or preposition informal
: to desire to move or be in or out of a place
(chiefly US) The cat wants in/out. [=the cat wants to go inside/outside]
—usually used figurativelyAt first she wanted in on the deal [=she wanted to be included in the deal], but now she wants out of it. [=she does not want to be included]
He desperately wanted (back) into the game. [=wanted to get (back) into the game]
5
not used in progressive tenses informal
—used to give advice about what someone should do or be —followed by to + verb
You want to be very careful [=you should be very careful] when you pull out of the parking lot.
We might want to leave a little early. [=maybe we should leave a little early]
6
not used in progressive tenses
: to feel sexual desire for (someone)
You can tell that he wants her.
plural wants
1
formal
: the state or condition of not having any or enough of something : lack
His attitude shows a want of proper respect.
He is suffering from want of adequate sleep.
2
: something that is desired or needed
—usually plural
We can supply all your wants.
The company caters to the wants and needs of its customers.
3
: the state or condition of being poor
people who are living in want
Cite this Entry
“Want.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/want. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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