noun
pant
pant
Pant (noun) means a quick, heavy breath, especially after exertion. Example: “The dog's pants were the only sound in the quiet yard.”
noun
1
A quick, heavy breath, especially after exertion.
"The dog's pants were the only sound in the quiet yard."
verb
1
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."
2
To long for something eagerly.
"Fans panted for news of the band's reunion."
How to use pant
Learner’s notesIn 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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- pants
- Third person singular
- pants
- Past tense
- panted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Related words
Rhymes for pant
See all rhymes for pant →Frequently asked questions
What does “pant” mean?
The word “pant” means a quick, heavy breath, especially after exertion. In plain terms, to breathe hard and fast, usually from exercise, heat, or excitement.
How do you pronounce “pant”?
“Pant” is pronounced pant (/pænt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pant” in a sentence?
Here is “pant” used in a sentence: “The dog's pants were the only sound in the quiet yard.”
What part of speech is “pant”?
Depending on how it is used, “pant” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pant” come from?
The word “pant” comes from Old French. From Middle English panten, possibly from Old French pantoisier ("to be breathless"), of uncertain deeper origin.
How many meanings does “pant” have?
“Pant” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a quick, heavy breath, especially after exertion.
