don't

American  

[dohnt] / doʊnt /

verb

1. contraction of do not.

2. Nonstandard except in some dialects. contraction of does not.

---

noun

1. don'ts, customs, rules, or regulations that forbid something.

   The boss has a long list of don'ts that you had better observe if you want a promotion.

don't British  

/ dəʊnt /

contraction

1. do not

---

Etymology

Origin of don't

First recorded in 1600–10

Compare meaning

How does dont compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• don't vs. doesn't

Example Sentences

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, which don’t have formal diplomatic relations, present thorny issues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“Let’s be respectful of the people who reside in those communities — don’t rev your engines, don’t do burnouts, try to show an element of decorum with this hobby,” he told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

They don’t have what it takes, and they never did!

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

"Benin doesn't deserve this. The youth don't deserve this."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Sure, it’s all Cherokee Nation, but that’s an hour and a half to two hours away from Trey, if you drive, which I don’t.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith