dependant
Britishnoun
Commonly Confused
See dependent
Explanation
A dependant is someone who relies on someone else, possibly for financial support. You'll most often find this spelling in British English, where it's favored (or favoured!) in using the word as a noun. Don't be confused by the spelling. In the UK, the -ant ending often shows up for the noun but not the adjective. In the US, the -ent ending is more popular for both the noun and adjective. Either way, this word has to do with reliance. Kids are dependants (or dependents) of their parents, which means they depend on them for food and shelter.
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.
The duty is increasing across most fare bands, with different amounts charged dependant on the distance of the flight.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
Volkswagen and Audi on Friday said their full-year financial guidance was dependant on an adequate supply of semiconductors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025
Comparing heatwaves each year is difficult because they are location dependant and the current Met Office heatwave definition has only been in place since 2019.
From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025
Anyone legally classed as an employee has the right to time off if a dependant dies.
From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024
It must be understood that this youth, though virtually a dependant on the bounty of the Brighams, evinced as free and determined a spirit as if he had been literally "monarch of all he surveyed."
From Pencil Sketches or, Outlines of Character and Manners by Leslie, Eliza
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
