dint

American  

[dint] / dɪnt /

noun

1. force; power.

   By dint of hard work she became head of the company.

   Synonyms:

   struggle, exertion, strain, effort

2. a dent.

3. Archaic. a blow; stroke.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make a dent or dents in.

2. to impress or drive in with force.

dint British  

/ dɪnt /

noun

1. by means or use of

   by dint of hard work

2. archaic a blow or a mark made by a blow

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verb

1. (tr) to mark with dints

noun

1. a variant of dent 1

dint Idioms  

1. see by dint of.

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Other Word Forms

• dintless adjective

Etymology

Origin of dint

before 900; Middle English; Old English dynt; cognate with Old Norse dyntr

Example Sentences

“Home Alone” certainly made Culkin a star, which was its intention, and O’Hara, by dint of John Hughes’ characterization, an able partner.

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

Others are here by dint of good old-fashioned storytelling, memorable characters and terrific performances — or just because they made me laugh.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

Mr. Harkins insists that he is “not really special,” but he can be said to speak for his fellow officers by dint of family history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

He can get them to do things by dint of their friendship—things that other presidents cannot.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2025

I dint understand about it but I remembir Dr Strauss said do anything the testor telld me even if it dont make no sense because thats testing.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes