abbreviation

DND

dee-en-DEE

DND (abbreviation) means Do not disturb: a setting on a phone, computer or messaging app that silences calls and notifications, or a sign asking people not to interrupt. Example: “Put your phone on DND before the interview starts.”

abbreviation

informal Do not disturb: a setting on a phone, computer or messaging app that silences calls and notifications, or a sign asking people not to interrupt.

"Put your phone on DND before the interview starts."

"Her status has been DND all afternoon, so she is probably deep in work."

Dungeons & Dragons, the fantasy tabletop role-playing game in which players create characters and act out an adventure guided by a game master.

"We run a DND session every other Thursday."

"He got into DND during university and never stopped playing."

How to Use DND

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt usually means "do not disturb", though gamers use it for Dungeons & Dragons.

When to use it

Written DND, D&D or DnD. The Dungeons & Dragons sense is nearly always styled D&D or DnD; a plain DND on a phone or chat app almost always means do not disturb.

Memory tip

Context decides the meaning: a status indicator or phone setting is "do not disturb", a game night is the role-playing game.

Easily confused with

DND → D&D

Common pairings

on DND DND mode set to DND play DND

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Test yourself on “DND” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Put your phone on _____ before the interview starts.

Synonyms

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do not disturb silent mode focus mode

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DND mean Dungeons & Dragons or do not disturb?

Both, and the setting tells you which. On a phone, a chat app or an office door it means do not disturb; among gamers, and usually written D&D or DnD, it means Dungeons & Dragons.

What happens when your phone is on DND?

Calls and notifications arrive silently and the screen stays dark, so nothing rings or buzzes. Most phones let you allow exceptions, such as repeat callers or starred contacts.

Is DND rude to use in a work chat?

No. In workplace tools it is a normal, accepted signal that you are focusing or in a meeting, not a snub. Colleagues generally expect a reply once the status clears.