1
—used to say that something is expected to happen in the future
We will [=we are going to] leave tomorrow.
I will be there in fifteen minutes.
Tomorrow will be partly cloudy and cool.
What do you think will happen?
Who do you think will win?
He will be severely punished for this crime.
We will continue our efforts, and we will succeed. [=we are determined to succeed]
2
a
—used to say that you want something
I will [=(more commonly) I'll] have a hamburger and fries.
"Will you have another cup of tea?" "Yes, I will, thank you."
b
—used to say that you are willing to do something
Yes, I will marry you.
The doctor will see you now.
"Will you help him?" "No, I most certainly will not!"
No one would do it.
3
—used to ask someone to do something
Will [=would] you please pass the salt?
Will you help me with my homework?
Will you please stop talking?
Shut the window, will you?
If you will follow me, ladies and gentlemen, I'll take you to the next gallery.
4
—used to give a command or to say what must happen or not happen
You will do as I say.
Everyone will leave immediately!
I will not have my own children talking to me like that!
No one will leave this room until a decision has been made.
5
a
—used to say that something is likely or certain to be true
That will be the babysitter at the door.
The gray house on the left will be theirs. [=must be theirs]
Try this soup—you will like it. [=(more commonly) you'll like it]
Ask anyone and they will tell you the same thing.
b
—used to describe a situation that is continuing
He won't stop bothering me. [=he keeps bothering me; he refuses to stop bothering me]
The door won't open.
6
—used to say that something usually happens or that a person or thing usually does something
The dog will growl if you get too close to it.
She will wait until the last minute to finish her homework.
People will talk if they see us together.
Accidents will happen. [=accidents sometimes happens; it isn't possible to avoid all accidents]
Note: In British English, this sense is sometimes used to show that you are annoyed that someone does something often.
7
—used to say that something is able to do something or contain a certain amount
The batteries will last a maximum of four hours.
The back seat will [=can] hold three people. [=it is capable of holding three people]
This will do if there is nothing better.
plural wills
1
law
: a legal document in which a person states who should receive his or her possessions after he or she dies
In her will, she asked that her money be donated to the church.
He made/prepared/wrote a will only days before his death.
2
: a strong desire or determination to do something
She has a strong will. = She has a will of iron. = She has an iron will.
He won the battle/clash of wills with his wife. [=he got what he wanted]
—often followed by to + verbDuring her illness, she never lost her will to live/survive.
He has the will to succeed. [=he has a strong desire to succeed]
He has no will of his own.
Does he have the strength of will [=is he willing to work extremely hard] to complete such demanding training?
3
: a person's choice or desire in a particular situation
They were obedient to the king's will. [=they did what the king wanted them to do]
a government that reflects the will of the people
As a child, he was forced to play the violin against his will. [=even though he did not want to play it]
She chose to go against her parents' will and marry him anyway. [=she chose to marry him even though her parents did not want her to marry him]
She is always trying to impose her will on other people. [=trying to force other people to do what she wants]
present tense for both singular and plural will
: to want or desire (something)
Note: This verb is only used in the simple present tense.
wills; willed; willing
1
a
: to cause or try to cause (something) to happen by using the power of your mind
She was haunted by the thought that she had willed his death. [=that she had caused his death by wishing that he would die]
b
: to cause or try to cause (someone or something) to do something by using the power of your mind
He willed himself to stay awake.
As she neared the finish line she willed her legs to keep running.
2
: to want or intend (something) to happen
It will happen if God wills it.
3
law
: to state in a will that (your property) will be given to a particular person, organization, etc., after you die
She willed her property to her children.
He willed his entire estate to the church. = He willed the church his entire estate.
Cite this Entry
“Will.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/will. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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