Origin of want ad

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example sentences from the Web for want ad

  • Before the old man could answer they had reached the want-ad counter.

    Hoofbeats on the Turnpike |Mildred A. Wirt
  • I was told the Enquirer posted the “want-ad” sheets of the paper at its back door an hour before daylight.

    Broke |Edwin A. Brown
  • Thinking that Mr. Malcom might have gone back to the want-ad department, she hastily returned there.

    Hoofbeats on the Turnpike |Mildred A. Wirt

British Dictionary definitions for want ad

want ad

noun

informal a classified advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, etc, for something wanted, such as property or employment