English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adjective

expectant

ihk-SPEHK-tuhnt

Expectant (adjective) means Filled with anticipation, waiting for something to happen. Example: “The expectant crowd fell silent as the curtain rose.”

adjective
1
Filled with anticipation, waiting for something to happen.
"The expectant crowd fell silent as the curtain rose."
2
Pregnant.
"The clinic offers classes for expectant mothers."

How to use expectant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEagerly waiting for something, or pregnant.

Common pairings
expectant mother expectant father expectant silence

Word forms

more expectant comparative, expectants plural, most expectant superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “expectant” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ crowd fell silent as the curtain rose.

Etymology

From Old French expectant, from Latin expectans, "awaiting."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for expectant

See all rhymes for expectant →

Frequently asked questions

What does “expectant” mean?

The word “expectant” means filled with anticipation, waiting for something to happen. In plain terms, eagerly waiting for something, or pregnant.

How do you pronounce “expectant”?

“Expectant” is pronounced ihk-SPEHK-tuhnt (/ɪkˈspɛktənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “expectant” in a sentence?

Here is “expectant” used in a sentence: “The expectant crowd fell silent as the curtain rose.”

What part of speech is “expectant”?

“Expectant” is an adjective.

Where does the word “expectant” come from?

The word “expectant” comes from Latin. From Old French expectant, from Latin expectans, "awaiting.".

How many meanings does “expectant” have?

“Expectant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: filled with anticipation, waiting for something to happen.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial