don't

American  

[dohnt] / doʊnt /

verb

1. contraction of do not.

2. Nonstandard except in some dialects. contraction of does not.

---

noun

1. don'ts, customs, rules, or regulations that forbid something.

   The boss has a long list of don'ts that you had better observe if you want a promotion.

don't British  

/ dəʊnt /

contraction

1. do not

---

Etymology

Origin of don't

First recorded in 1600–10

Compare meaning

How does dont compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• don't vs. doesn't

Example Sentences

Others don’t see that happening until the fall or later.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

So I was like, I don't necessarily want it to be the most giant album of all time, and be selling out stadiums.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Like prey worn down by a persistent predator, participants don’t collapse all at once; they give up gradually until the fight leaves the market altogether.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“We talk about the mirror test. Don’t worry about what your coach says, don’t worry about what your other teammates say,” Chesney said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

“I don’t have anything in common with anyone here.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith