don't

American  

[dohnt] / doʊnt /

verb

1. contraction of do not.

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

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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

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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

"We don't believe the weight difference will stop that fight," said Shalom.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“We don’t mind having somebody get a boatload because they need…they have to survive,” Trump told reporters Sunday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Investors don’t quite know what to make of it all.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“We talk about the mirror test. Don’t worry about what your coach says, don’t worry about what your other teammates say,” Chesney said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

“Why don’t you have a look around the place?”

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