First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1must
verb \məs(t), ˈməst\
—used to say that something is required by a rule or law
—used to say that someone should do something
—used to say that something is very likely
present & past all persons must
Full Definition of MUST
verbal auxiliary
1
a : be commanded or requested to <you must stop> b : be urged to : ought by all means to <you must read that book>
2
: be compelled by physical necessity to <one must eat to live> : be required by immediate or future need or purpose to <we must hurry to catch the bus>
3
a : be obliged to : be compelled by social considerations to <I must say you're looking well> b : be required by law, custom, or moral conscience to <we must obey the rules> c : be determined to <if you must go at least wait for me> d : be unreasonably or perversely compelled to <why must you argue>
4
: be logically inferred or supposed to <it must be time>
5
: be compelled by fate or by natural law to <what must be will be>
6
: was or were presumably certain to : was or were bound to <if he did it she must have known>
intransitive verb
archaic : to be obliged to go <I must to Coventry — Shakespeare>
See must defined for English-language learners
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Origin of MUST
Middle English moste, from Old English mōste, past indicative & subjunctive of mōtan to be allowed to, have to; akin to Old High German muozan to be allowed to, have to
Related to MUST
- Synonyms
- have (to), need, ought (to), shall, should
2must
noun \ˈməst\
Definition of MUST
1
: an imperative need or duty : requirement
2
: an indispensable item : essential <exercise is a must>
First Known Use of MUST
1616
3must
noun
Definition of MUST
: the expressed juice of fruit and especially grapes before and during fermentation; also : the pulp and skins of the crushed grapes
Origin of MUST
Middle English, from Old English, from Latin mustum
First Known Use: before 12th century
4must
noun
Definition of MUST
1
: musk
Origin of MUST
Middle English (Scots) moist, from Middle French must, alteration of musc musk
First Known Use: 15th century
MUST Defined for Kids
1must
helping verb \ˈməst\
present and past all persons must
Definition of MUST for Kids
1
: to be commanded, requested, or urged to <You must stop the noise at once.>
2
: to be required to <A person must eat to live.>
3
: to be very likely to <It must be time.> <I must have lost it.>
2must
noun
Definition of MUST for Kids
: something that is or seems to be required or necessary <Sturdy shoes are a must for this hike.>
Medical Dictionary
must
noun \ˈməst\
Medical Definition of MUST
: the expressed juice of fruit and especially grapes before and during fermentation
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