don

The word “don” means a senior member of the teaching staff at a British university, especially Oxford or Cambridge. In plain terms, depending on context: a university teacher, a mafia boss, or (as a verb) to put clothing on.

“Don” is pronounced don (/dɑn/ in IPA).

Here is “don” used in a sentence: “The elderly don had taught classics at the college for forty years.”

Depending on how it is used, “don” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “don” comes from Latin. From Spanish/Italian don, a title of respect, ultimately from Latin dominus, "lord, master.".

“Don” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Don” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a senior member of the teaching staff at a British university, especially Oxford or Cambridge.

A don is a general term for any senior teaching or academic staff member at a British university, particularly Oxford or Cambridge. A professor holds a specific, higher-ranking title, usually the most senior academic position in a department. Every professor may be called a don, but not every don is a professor.

A don teaches, supervises, and mentors students, often through the tutorial system where small groups or individuals meet regularly for close instruction. Dons also pursue their own research, sit on college committees, and help run the affairs of their college. The role blends teaching, scholarship, and academic administration.

The academic sense comes from the Latin 'dominus,' meaning lord or master, which also gave Spanish and Italian the respectful title 'don.' British universities adopted it for their learned masters. The same root explains why a Mafia boss is called a don — both senses imply a figure of authority and respect.

Yes. As a verb, to 'don' something means to put on clothing, as in donning a coat or a uniform. 'Don' is also a respectful Spanish or Italian title placed before a man's name, and informally it can refer to the head of a Mafia family. Context makes the intended meaning clear.