Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

want ad

See more synonyms for want ad on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. classified ad.
Show More

Origin of want ad

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for want ad

Historical Examples

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

    Hoofbeats on the Turnpike

    Mildred A. Wirt

  • I was told the Enquirer posted the “want-ad” sheets of the paper at its back door an hour before daylight.

    Broke

    Edwin A. Brown

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

British Dictionary definitions for want ad

want ad

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