wannabe
Americannoun
-
wannabes
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of wannabe
First recorded in 1980–85; derivative of (I) wanna be…
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
But its strangeness also seems appropriate, considering the epic oddity of the South African’s ascension from mistrusted Silicon Valley wannabe to ever-confident cheerleader for space dreams and electric vehicles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026
His wannabe Robocops launch indiscriminate raids, operate detention facilities under conditions out of a Dickens novel and regularly don face masks to hide their identities.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026
And, in real time, we’re watching wannabe masters of the artificial-intelligence universe try to win an upper hand in controlling the new technology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
Soon after, wannabe authoritarians attack the comedians, essayists, playwrights and poets.
From Salon ● Jul. 6, 2026
I know they were stretched thin, but you can’t leave an entire relief effort to a bunch of wannabe feds.
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
To plan their own investments and shield other customers, utilities are trying to filter out legitimate projects from wannabes by imposing higher electricity rates, longer-term contracts, collateral requirements and steep fees for engineering studies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
Yet, these supposedly most-promising stars are mostly hapless wannabes leaning on their skills in nunchucks and mime.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2026
Others, like the Elvis impersonators roaming the streets, were wannabes, eager to tap into the mass tort gold mine.
From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2026
Local clubs had not been geared up for the sudden rush of Jonny Wilkinson wannabes that descended on them after his drop-kick landed World Cup glory.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2025
“And that’s what separates the wannabes from the agents in the end. Quinton didn’t nominate ye ’cause he needed a rescuer, he nominated ye because he believed ye can thrive here.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
