have-not

noun

ˈhav-ˌnät How to pronounce have-not (audio)
-ˈnät
Synonyms of have-notnext
: one that is poor especially in material wealth

Examples of have-not in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Make a list of haves and have-nots. Kat McGowan, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026 The gap between the haves and have-nots isn’t going to narrow any time soon, especially since the priorities of the athletes themselves have changed. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026 Research from the Federal Reserve has found America’s haves and have-nots have rarely been this far apart. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026 The transfer portal and NIL money were taking over, the haves and have-nots further separated. Greg Cote updated March 23, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for have-not

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of have-not was in 1836

Cite this Entry

“Have-not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have-not. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

have-not

noun
ˈhav-ˌnät
-ˈnät
: one that is poor in material wealth

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