win

win¹

—winnable, adj.

/win/, v., won, winning, n.

v.i.

1. to finish first in a race, contest, or the like.

2. to succeed by striving or effort: He applied for a scholarship and won.

3. to gain the victory; overcome an adversary: The home team won.

v.t.

4. to succeed in reaching (a place, condition, etc.), esp. by great effort: They won the shore through a violent storm.

5. to get by effort, as through labor, competition, or conquest: He won his post after years of striving.

6. to gain (a prize, fame, etc.).

7. to be successful in (a game, battle, etc.).

8. to make (one's way), as by effort or ability.

9. to attain or reach (a point, goal, etc.).

10. to gain (favor, love, consent, etc.), as by qualities or influence.

11. to gain the favor, regard, or adherence of.

12. to gain the consent or support of; persuade (often fol. by over): The speech won them over to our side.

13. to persuade to marry; gain in marriage.

14. Brit. Mining.

a. to obtain (ore, coal, etc.).

b. to prepare (a vein, bed, mine, etc.) for working, by means of shafts or the like.

15. win out, to win or succeed, esp. over great odds; triumph: His finer nature finally won out.

n.

16. a victory, as in a game or horse race.

17. the position of the competitor who comes in first in a horse race, harness race, etc. Cf. place (def. 27b), show (def. 29).

[bef. 900; ME winnen (v.), OE winnan to work, fight, bear; c. G gewinnen, ON vinna, Goth winnan]

Syn. 5. obtain, secure, acquire, achieve, reach, procure. See gain¹. 12. convince.

win²

/win/, v.t., winned, winning. Scot. and North Eng.

to dry (hay, wood, etc.) by exposure to air and sun.

[1550-60; perh. var. of WINNOW]

* * *