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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

That fall, the two-time Oscar winner shocked Hollywood by taking out a want ad in the trades soliciting acting work.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 29, 2017

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

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 12, 2016

In 1985, they found one in Mr. Obama, a fledgling community organizer in New York who answered a want ad for a job with the Developing Communities Project.

From New York Times Mar. 23, 2014

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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