ain

[ eyn ]

/ eɪn /

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adjective Scot.

own.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ain

1700–25; representing Old English ǣgen or Old Norse eiginn; replacing Middle English (Scots ) awyn, awne,Old English āgen;see own

Words nearby ain

aiming point, aimless, aimlessly, aim to, A.I.M.U., ain, Aineias, ainga, ain't, Aintab, A into G

Other definitions for ain (2 of 3)

ʿain

or ʿayn

[ ahyn, eyn ]

/ aɪn, eɪn /

noun

the 18th letter of the Arabic alphabet.

the voiced pharyngeal constrictive consonant represented by this letter.

Origin of ʿain

From the Arabic word ʿayn

Other definitions for ain (3 of 3)

Ain

[ an ]

/ ɛ̃ /

noun

a department in E France. 2,249 sq. mi. (5,825 sq. km). Capital: Bourg.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use ain in a sentence

Ain Kawa is known as a Christian district, with Ziggurat-style churches dotting the horizon.
Fighting Back With Faith: Inside the Yezidis’ Iraqi Temple|Michael Luongo|August 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The architect Gregory Ain was very interested in planned communities.
How Jews Created American Modernism|Andrew Romano|August 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He says Ain el-Hilweh is seeing a rising number of clashes—three or four a month —that can last two to three hours.
PLO Official: Al-Qaeda To Target Lebanese Christians|Jamie Dettmer|February 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They built a church that still stands today, which overlooks the hillside and Ain River.
The Drink All You Want Holiday Wine|Jordan Salcito|December 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST

“What they are doing in Ain Zara to Abdul is inhumane,” Najat says.
Gaddafi’s Torture Centers Continue|Jamie Dettmer|June 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Let him tak a spring on his ain fiddle, says a proverb that illustrates the coolness with which Donald will bide his time.
Friend Mac Donald|Max O'Rell
"Come away, Rundell, the race is yer ain," shouted an enthusiastic supporter of Peter.
The Underworld|James C. Welsh
I reck'n I knows sense when I sees it; en dey ain' no sense in sich doin's as dat.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Complete|Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
How could I, with my heart beating high at the thought of seeing my ain dear laddie before many days?
Penelope's Experiences in Scotland|Kate Douglas Wiggin
Mickle thocht we o' the gentles ayont the sea, an' sair grat we for a' frien's we kent lang syne in oor ain countree.
Penelope's Experiences in Scotland|Kate Douglas Wiggin

British Dictionary definitions for ain (1 of 3)

ain¹

/ (eɪn) /

determiner

a Scot word for own

British Dictionary definitions for ain (2 of 3)

ain²

/ (ˈɑːjɪn) /

noun

a variant of ayin

British Dictionary definitions for ain (3 of 3)

Ain

/ (French ɛ̃) /

noun

a department in E central France, in Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Bourg. Pop: 539 006 (2003 est). Area: 5785 sq km (2256 sq miles)

a river in E France, rising in the Jura Mountains and flowing south to the Rhône. Length: 190 km (118 miles)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012