third-person singular verb
It expresses that a person or animal would like to have something or do something.
She wants to go to the movie.
The cat wants some food.
Good to know
Use wants with he, she, or it. Use want with I, you, we, and they.
American English
How to pronounce wants
verbA1Very common word
WUHNTS
/wənts/
One syllable.
Form of want
Wants is used with a singular third-person subject such as he, she, or it.
It expresses that a person or animal would like to have something or do something.
What to listen for
“Wants” is usually pronounced /wɑnts/, but some American speakers say /wənts/. Both pronunciations have the same meaning.
Usual pronunciation/wɑnts/
Also heard in some American accents/wənts/
Meanings & examples
third-person singular verb
It expresses that a person asks to receive or use something, especially when buying or ordering it.
The customer wants a refund.
She wants a table for four.
Good to know
Use wants with he, she, or it when describing a request. Use want with I, you, we, and they.
Useful expressions
to refuse to be involved with someone or something
I want nothing to do with that dishonest deal.
because something needed is missing
The match was canceled for want of a referee.
to want to leave a situation
After one week, she wanted out of the project.