want ad

noun

1. classified ad.

want ad

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of want ad¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

If you look at those want ads, it’s very much racialized and sexualized.

From Time

I was living in Colorado Springs and looking through want ads in the newspaper.

From Nautilus

Whistling over his task, Mr. Chester soon evolved the following "Want Ad."

From Project Gutenberg

This description of the right sort of boy is put in the form of a "Want ad" in a newspaper.

From Project Gutenberg

He handed it to her, and his eyes lighted on the "want ad" columns.

From Project Gutenberg

Before the old man could answer they had reached the want-ad counter.

From Project Gutenberg

Thinking that Mr. Malcom might have gone back to the want-ad department, she hastily returned there.

From Project Gutenberg