- a variation of dependent.
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.
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
Prize money in the 38-game Premier League is more nuanced and dependant on revenues, but in 2023-24 champions Manchester City took home £175.9m.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2025
Their income is dependant on hours and work they get each month but it averages about £10,000 a year.
From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2024
There isn't a single compensation scheme for sub-postmasters to apply to and eligibility is dependant on the circumstances of an individual's case.
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2024
In this City there's a famous Abbey of Nuns, which is a very honorable Retreat for young Women of Quality, who are Orphans, or don't care to be dependant on their Parents.
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.
