determiner
Uncommon
ain
ehn
Ain (determiner) means a dialectal or archaic word for "own," meaning belonging to oneself. Example: “She wanted to live in her ain house.”
determiner
1
A dialectal or archaic word for "own," meaning belonging to oneself.
"She wanted to live in her ain house."
"Bobby Shaftoe's bright and fair, Combing down his yellow hair, He's my ain for evermair, Bonny Bobby Shaftoe."
— Jonathan Langley, Collins Bedtime Treasury of Nursery Rhymes and Tales (1998)
How to use ain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Scots dialect word meaning "own" (as in "my ain house").
When to use it
Mainly found in Scots dialect and older or literary writing.
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Etymology
From Older Scots and Middle English aȝen, related to "own."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ain
See all rhymes for ain →Frequently asked questions
What does “ain” mean?
The word “ain” means a dialectal or archaic word for "own," meaning belonging to oneself. In plain terms, a Scots dialect word meaning "own" (as in "my ain house").
How do you pronounce “ain”?
“Ain” is pronounced ehn (/eːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “ain” in a sentence?
Here is “ain” used in a sentence: “She wanted to live in her ain house.”
What part of speech is “ain”?
“Ain” is a determiner.
Where does the word “ain” come from?
The word “ain” comes from Middle English. From Older Scots and Middle English aȝen, related to "own.".
Is “ain” a common word?
“Ain” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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