noun

pant

noun

A quick, heavy breath, especially after exertion.

"The dog's pants were the only sound in the quiet yard."

verb

To breathe quickly and heavily, as after running or from excitement.

"He was panting by the time he reached the top of the stairs."

"The dog panted in the heat, tongue hanging out."

To long for something eagerly.

"Fans panted for news of the band's reunion."

How to Use Pant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo breathe hard and fast, usually from exercise, heat, or excitement.

Common mistake

In UK English, "pants" (plural) usually means underwear, while in US English it means trousers — but "pant" as a verb (to breathe hard) is the same everywhere.

Word Forms

panted past tense, pants plural, pants plural, pants plural, Pants plural, pants singular

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The dog's _____ were the only sound in the quiet yard.

Etymology

From Middle English panten, possibly from Old French pantoisier ("to be breathless"), of uncertain deeper origin.

Rhymes for pant

ant want cant rant Kant Gant Sant plant chant giant avant scant

See all rhymes for pant →