Don
/dɒn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo put on (an item of clothing or protective gear).
/dɒn/
To put on a piece of clothing or protective gear.
The actor donned a disguise for the role.
💡 Simply: Imagine it's a chilly day, and you decide to DON your favorite jacket. It's like getting ready to go outside by putting something on!
👶 For kids: To put on something like a hat or a coat.
More Examples
She quickly donned her gloves before going outside.
The knight donned his armor before the battle.
They donned their masks before entering the operating room.
How It's Used
"He donned his coat before stepping outside."
"The soldiers donned their helmets before the mission."
A teacher or senior member of a college or university, especially at Oxford or Cambridge.
/dɒn/
An academic title, especially at Oxford or Cambridge universities.
The student sought advice from a don about his studies.
💡 Simply: Picture a professor who's in charge of teaching you at a fancy British university. That's a DON!
👶 For kids: A teacher at a special school called a college.
More Examples
The dons of the university gathered for a formal dinner.
The history don was an expert on the Roman Empire.
She was a highly respected don at Cambridge University.
How It's Used
"He consulted with the don about his research."
"The dons of Oxford University were known for their scholarship."
Idioms & expressions
don't have a clue
To not know anything about something.
"I don't have a clue about how to fix this computer."
From Old English *don*, meaning "to do, put on" (garments). Ultimately from Proto-Germanic *dōną.
Used in historical texts referring to the act of putting on clothing and, later, as a title for university figures.
Memory tip
Think of putting 'on' clothes. D-on.