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Synonyms

want ad

American  
want ad British  

noun

  1. informal a classified advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, etc, for something wanted, such as property or employment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of want ad

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

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.

See Examples For:

It was a want ad in the newspaper that started Storen’s pro path.

From Washington Times May 7, 2020

According to the want ad, the Jesuit high school is looking for someone to take on the role of “identifying, engaging and cultivating alumni.”

From Washington Post Oct. 18, 2018

It all started with a want ad in a newspaper for ice cream truck drivers.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 12, 2016

When the Staten Island Yankees begin their season on Friday, Jane M. Rogers, the team’s president and general manager, may reflect on the day she answered a want ad for a secretary 16 years ago.

From New York Times Jun. 12, 2015

I paid the same prices as Jim, but I would have done just as badly at three times as much, and might just as well have saved money buying second-hand through a want "ad."

From Cupid's Middleman by Lent, Edward B.

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