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win

Pronunciation: /wɪn/

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Definition of win

verb (wins, winning; past and past participle won /wʌn/)

[with object]
  • 1be successful or victorious in (a contest or conflict):United won four games in a row the government is winning the battle against inflation [no object, with complement]:Sunderland won 2-1
  • 2acquire or secure as a result of a contest, conflict, bet, or other endeavour:there are hundreds of prizes to be won [with two objects]:the sort of play that won them the World Cup so brilliantly
  • gain (a person’s attention, support, or love), typically gradually or by effort:you will find it difficult to win back their attention
  • (win someone over) gain the support or favour of someone by action or persuasion:her sense of humour had won him over at once
  • [no object] (win out/through) manage to succeed or achieve something by effort:a determination to win through against all the odds
  • archaic manage to reach (a place) by effort:many lived to win the great cave
  • 3obtain (ore) from a mine.
  • 4dry (hay) by exposure to the air.

noun

  • a successful result in a contest, conflict, bet, or other endeavour; a victory:a 3-0 win over Birmingham

Phrases

I (or he, she, etc.) can't win

informal there is no course of action will bring success or please people.

win the day

be victorious in battle, sport, or argument.

win or lose

whether one succeeds or fails:win or lose, the important thing for him is to set a good example to his side

win (or earn) one's spurs

historical gain a knighthood by an act of bravery.
informal gain one’s first distinction or honours.

you can't win them all (or win some, lose some)

informal said to express consolation or resignation after failure in a contest.

Derivatives

winless

adjective

winnable

adjective

Origin:

Old English winnan 'strive, contend' also 'subdue and take possession of, acquire', of Germanic origin

win in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of win in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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