will
wih
Will (verb) means a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty. Example: “I will call you as soon as I land.”
verb
1
A modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty.
"I will call you as soon as I land."
"The meeting will start at nine tomorrow."
"Don't worry, the train will arrive in a few minutes."
2
To want or intend something strongly; to choose to do it.
"Say what you will, I'm not changing my mind."
"He willed himself to keep running despite the pain."
"Do as you will, but do not blame me later."
3
To leave property or possessions to someone through a will.
"His grandfather willed him the family farm."
"She willed her piano to the local school when she died."
"He willed his book collection to his favourite nephew."
noun
1
A person's inner drive or determination to do something.
"Sheer will got her through the last mile of the marathon."
"Nothing could break his will to succeed."
"It took great will to finish the long hike in the rain."
2
A legal document stating who should receive a person's property and belongings after they die.
"She left the house to her daughter in her will."
"He updated his will after the birth of his second child."
"My uncle asked a solicitor to help him write his will."
How to use will
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the helper verb for talking about the future ('I will go'), or a noun meaning strong determination or a legal document about inheritance.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the verb 'will' (future tense) with the noun 'will' (a legal document) — context makes it clear, but learners sometimes mix up 'free will' (choice) with 'a will' (the document).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
make a will
strong will
against my will
will power
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Word forms
- Plural
- wills
- Third person singular
- wilt, wills
- Past tense
- would, willed
- Archaic forms
- willest, willst, wouldst, wouldest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ call you as soon as I land.
Etymology
From Old English willan ("to want, wish"), a very old Germanic word related to German wollen and Dutch willen.
Related words
Rhymes for will
See all rhymes for will →Frequently asked questions
What does “will” mean?
The word “will” means a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty. In plain terms, either the helper verb for talking about the future ('I will go'), or a noun meaning strong determination or a legal document about inheritance.
How do you pronounce “will”?
“Will” is pronounced wih ([wɪɫ] in IPA).
How do you use “will” in a sentence?
Here is “will” used in a sentence: “I will call you as soon as I land.”
What part of speech is “will”?
Depending on how it is used, “will” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “will” come from?
The word “will” comes from Old English. From Old English willan ("to want, wish"), a very old Germanic word related to German wollen and Dutch willen.
Is “will” a common word?
“Will” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “will” have?
“Will” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty.
What is the difference between "will" and "shall"?
Both refer to the future, but "will" is by far the more common in modern English. "Shall" survives mainly in questions that offer or suggest something ("Shall we dance?") and in formal or legal documents, where it expresses obligation.
What is the difference between "will" and "would"?
"Would" acts as the past form of "will" ("He said he would call") and expresses hypothetical or polite meanings ("I would love that," "Would you mind?"). "Will" states future intention or certainty more directly.
What is the difference between "will" and "going to"?
"Going to" usually signals a plan already made or something clearly about to happen ("I'm going to visit Rome in May"). "Will" is common for decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and predictions ("I'll get the door").
Does "will" take an "-s" with "he" or "she"?
No. As a modal verb, "will" keeps the same form for every subject: "she will," never "she wills" in the future sense. The form "wills" exists only for the separate verb meaning to want, intend, or choose something strongly.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing will in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
A wave of expansion will see the league reach 18 markets by 2030 after nearly two decades of stagnation at 12 teams.
From
ESPN · Jul 24, 2026
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include will:
