First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1win
verb \ˈwin\
: to achieve victory in a fight, contest, game, etc.
: to get (something, such as a prize) by achieving victory in a fight, contest, game, etc.
: to get (something) by effort
won \ˈwən\ win·ning
Full Definition of WIN
transitive verb
1
a : to get possession of by effort or fortune b : to obtain by work : earn <striving to win a living from the sterile soil>
2
a : to gain in or as if in battle or contest <won the championship> b : to be the victor in <won the war>
3
a : to make friendly or favorable to oneself or to one's cause —often used with over <won him over with persuasive arguments> b : to induce to accept oneself in marriage <was unable to win the woman he loved>
4
a : to obtain (as ore, coal, or clay) by mining b : to prepare (as a vein or bed) for regular mining c : to recover (as metal) from ore
5
: to reach by expenditure of effort
intransitive verb
1
: to gain the victory in a contest : succeed
2
: to succeed in arriving at a place or a state
— win·less \ˈwin-ləs\ adjective
— win·na·ble \ˈwi-nə-bəl\ adjective
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Origin of WIN
Middle English winnen, from Old English winnan to struggle; akin to Old High German winnan to struggle and probably to Latin venus sexual desire, charm, Sanskrit vanas desire, vanoti he strives for
2win
noun
: an act of achieving victory especially in a game or contest
Full Definition of WIN
: victory; especially : first place at the finish (as of a horse race)
See win defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WIN
1862
Related to WIN
WIN Defined for Kids
1win
verb \ˈwin\
won \ˈwən\win·ning
Definition of WIN for Kids
1
: to achieve the victory in a contest <She likes to win.>
2
: to obtain by victory <I won the trophy.>
3
: to be the victor in <I hope you win the race.>
4
: to get by effort or skill : gain <The performance won praise.>
5
: to ask and get the favor of <He won over the voters.>
— win·ner noun
2win
noun
Definition of WIN for Kids
: an act or instance of winning
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