English dictionary
wanton
nounPronunciation
/ˈwɒntɒn/
/ˈwɒntən/
/ˈwɑntən/
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- A pampered or coddled person.
- An overly playful person; a trifler.
- A self-indulgent person, fond of excess.
- A lewd or immoral person, especially a prostitute.
verb
- To rove and ramble without restraint, rule, or limit; to revel; to play loosely; to frolic.
- To waste or squander, especially in pleasure (most often with away).
- To act wantonly; to be lewd or lascivious.
adjective
- Undisciplined, unruly; not able to be controlled.
- Playful, sportive; merry or carefree.
- Lewd, immoral; sexually open, unchaste.
- Capricious, reckless of morality, justice etc.; acting without regard for the law or the well-being of others; gratuitous.
- Extravagant, unrestrained, excessive.
Example sentences
The young man wantoned away his inheritance.