have
[verb]
Synonyms:
- possess, hold, keep, obtain, own, retain
- receive, accept, acquire, gain, get, obtain, procure, secure, take
- experience, endure, enjoy, feel, meet with, suffer, sustain, undergo
- cheat, deceive, dupe, fool, outwit, swindle, take in (informal), trick
- give birth to, bear, beget, bring forth, deliver
- have to: be obliged, be bound, be compelled, be forced, have got to, must, ought, should

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Contrasted words: lack, need, want
Related Idioms: to be possessed of, have in hand
Related Words: admit, compose, comprise

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English Thesaurus: eat, have, feed on something, consume, munch (on) something, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. have¹ S1 W1 /v, əv, həv; strong hæv/ auxiliary verb (past tense and past participle had /d, əd, həd; strong hæd/, third person singular has /z, əz, həz; strong hæz/)
[Language: Old English; Origin: habban]

1. used with past participles to form perfect tenses:
Our guests have arrived.
Has anyone phoned?
We’ve been spending too much money.
I hadn’t seen him for 15 years.
‘I hope you’ve read the instructions.’ ‘Yes, of course I have.’
You haven’t done much, have you?

2. somebody had better/best do something used to say that someone should do something:
You’d better phone to say you’ll be late.
We’d better not tell Jim about our plans just yet.

3. had somebody done something formal if someone had done something:
Had we known about it earlier, we could have warned people of the danger.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. have² S1 W1 /hæv/ verb [transitive]

1. QUALITY/FEATURE (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] used to say what someone or something looks like, what qualities or features they possess etc:
She has dark hair and brown eyes.
Sullivan’s music does have a certain charm.
You need to have a lot of patience to be a teacher.
Wild rice has a very nutty flavour.
He didn’t even have the courtesy to answer my letter.
have it in you (=have the skill or special quality needed to do something)
You should have seen the way Dad was dancing – I didn’t know he had it in him!

REGISTER
In everyday British English, people usually say have got something rather than have something, but in writing they usually prefer to use just have:
He’s got a degree from Bristol University. (spoken, everyday)
He has all the relevant qualifications. (written)

2. INCLUDE/CONTAIN (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] to include or contain something or a particular number of things or people:
Japan has a population of over 120 million.
How many pages has it got?
have something in it/them
The tank still has water in it.

3. OWN (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] spoken used to say that someone owns something or that it is available for them to use:
They used to have a Mercedes Benz.
Has your secretary got a fax machine?
Have you ever had your own business?
He’s a lovely dog – how long have you had him?
Can I have the car tonight, Dad?

4. CARRY/HOLD (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] to be holding something or carrying it with you:
Have you got a match?
Look out! He’s got a gun.
have something on/with you
Have you got any money on you?
I’m afraid I don’t have my address book with me.

5. DO SOMETHING British English to do something
have a look/walk/sleep/talk/think etc
We were just having a look around.
Are you going to have a swim?

6. EAT/DRINK/SMOKE to eat, drink, or smoke something:
She sat down and had another drink.
Someone had been having a cigarette in the toilet.
have lunch/a meal etc
I usually have breakfast at about seven o'clock.

7. EXPERIENCE to experience something or be affected by something:
We’ve been having a lot of difficulties with our new computer system.
I’m afraid your son has had a serious accident.
He is in hospital having treatment for a knee injury.
I hope you have a good holiday.
have a good/terrible etc time
Thanks for everything – we had a great time.
have somebody doing something
He found it quite natural to have people fussing over him.

8. IDEA/FEELING (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] to think of something or to experience a particular feeling:
If you have any good ideas for presents, let me know.
I have lots of happy memories of my time in Japan.
He had an awful feeling of guilt.

9. DISEASE/INJURY/PAIN (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] to suffer from a disease, injury, or pain:
Sarah’s got a cold.
One of the victims had a broken leg.

10. RECEIVE (also have got especially British English) to receive something:
I had lots of phone calls.
have something from somebody
Have you had any news yet from Graham?
I expect he had some help from his father.

11. AMOUNT OF TIME (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] if you have a particular amount of time, it is available for you to do something:
You have just 30 seconds to answer the question.
have time (to do something)
I haven’t time to stop and talk just now.

12. have your hair cut/your house painted etc to pay a professional person to cut your hair etc for you:
Where do you normally have your hair done?
We’d only just had a new engine put in.

13. have something stolen/broken/taken etc if you have something stolen, broken etc, someone steals, breaks etc something that belongs to you:
She had all her jewellery stolen.
Mullins had his nose broken in a fight.

14. have something ready/done/finished etc to have made something ready to be used, or have finished doing something:
I should have the car ready by Monday.

15. IN A POSITION OR STATE (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] used to say that your body or something else is in a particular position or state, because you moved or did something
have something open/closed/on etc
I had my eyes half-closed.
Janice likes to have the window open.
She had her back to the door.
have something doing something
He’s always got the stereo playing.

16. FAMILY/FRIENDS (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] used to say that there is someone who is your relation or friend:
She has an uncle in Wisconsin.
It was nice for Alice to have friends of her own age.

17. JOB/DUTY (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] to be employed in a particular job or to be responsible for doing something:
Her boyfriend has a well-paid job.
The headteacher has responsibility for the management of the school.
have something to do
I can’t stand here talking – I have work to do (=there is work that I must do).

18. EMPLOY/BE IN CHARGE OF (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] to employ or be in charge of a group of workers:
Margaret Gillies currently has a team of 20 volunteers working for her.

19. GOODS/ROOMS AVAILABLE (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] if a shop or a hotel has goods or rooms, they are available for you to buy or use:
Do you have any single rooms?
They didn’t have any sweaters in my size.

20. have (got) somebody with you if you have someone with you, they are present with you:
Luckily I had a friend with me who spoke German.

21. HOLD SOMEBODY (also have got especially British English) [not in progressive] to hold someone violently by a part of their body:
They had him by the throat.

22. VISITORS/GUESTS if you have visitors or guests, they have come to your home, office etc:
Sorry, I didn’t realize you had visitors.
We had friends to stay over the weekend.

23. EVENT if you have an event such as a meeting, party, or concert, it happens because you have organized it:
We’re having a party on Saturday – you’re very welcome to come.

24. EFFECT to cause a particular result:
a mistake that could have disastrous results
Cardew was having a bad influence on the other students.

25. OPPORTUNITY used to say that an opportunity or choice is available for you:
If you have the chance, you should go and see it – it’s a really good film.
Women managers have a choice as to whether they wear trousers or a skirt.
Last year I had the honour of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh.

26. BABY if a woman has a baby, it is born from her body:
Anna insisted on having the baby at home.

27. MAKE SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING [not in progressive]
a) to affect someone in a way that makes them start doing something
have somebody laughing/crying etc
Within minutes he had the whole audience laughing and clapping.
b) to persuade or order someone to do something
have somebody doing something
She had me doing all kinds of jobs for her.
have somebody do something especially American English:
I’ll have Hudson show you to your room.

28. have done with something to finish or settle an argument or a difficult situation:
I should throw you out now and have done with it.

29. rumour/legend/word has it used when you are reporting what people say or what a story says:
Rumour has it that Kim is not his child.

30. have (got) something/somebody (all) to yourself if you have a place, time, or person all to yourself, you do not have to share them with anyone else:
He couldn’t wait to have Beth all to himself.
It was the first time I’d had a room to myself.

31. SEX informal to have sex with someone:
I expect she’s had lots of men.

32. have it off/away with somebody British English informal to have sex with someone


SPOKEN PHRASES

33. can/could/may I have say this to politely ask someone to give you something:
Can I have the bill, please?
Could we have our ball back?

34. I’ll have/we’ll have say this to ask for something that you have chosen in a restaurant or shop:
I’ll have a T-bone steak and chips, please.

35. OFFERING SOMEBODY SOMETHING used to offer something to someone:
Have another sandwich.
Won’t you have a drink before you go?
Please have a seat, and the doctor will be right with you.

36. NOT ALLOW won’t/can’t have something used to say that someone will not allow something to happen:
They’re trying to play tricks on me again, but I won’t have it.
won’t/can’t have somebody doing something
I won’t have you walking home all by yourself.
We can’t have people wandering about on private land.

37. somebody had (got) it coming used to say that you are not sorry that something bad has happened to someone, because they deserved it:
I’m not surprised his wife left him – he’s had it coming for years.

38. I’ve got it used to say you have suddenly thought of the solution to a problem or that you suddenly understand a situation

39. you have me there (also you’ve got me there) used to say that you do not know the answer to a question:
‘What makes you think women can’t do that kind of work?’ He scratched his head. ‘Well, now, you’ve got me there.’

40. I’ll have you know used to start to tell someone something when you are annoyed with them:
I’ll have you know you’re insulting the woman I love.

41. have (got) it in for somebody to want to make life difficult for someone because you dislike them:
Dean thinks his teachers have it in for him.

42. somebody/something has had it
a) if someone has had it, they are going to fail or die, or be in serious trouble:
Press the wrong button and you’ve had it.
b) if someone has had it, they are very tired or annoyed and cannot continue with something:
I can’t believe he’s done it again. I’ve had it with him!
c) British English if something has had it, it no longer works and cannot be repaired:
The engine’s had it.

43. be not having any (of that) to refuse to agree to something, listen to someone etc:
I tried to explain to her, but she just wasn’t having any of it.

44. somebody has been had used to say that someone has been deceived, for example by being tricked into paying too much:
You paid £200? You’ve been had!
have (got) something against somebody/something phrasal verb
to dislike or be opposed to someone or something for a particular reason:
I don’t know what it is, but Roger seems to have something against women.
I can’t see what you’ve got against the idea.
I have nothing against foreigners (=have no reason to dislike them).
have (got) somebody in phrasal verb British English
if you have someone in, they are doing some work in your home, for example building work:
We’ve had the builders in, so everything’s in a mess.
have on

1. have (got) something on to be wearing a piece of clothing or type of clothing:
He had his best suit on.
Jimmy had nothing on but his socks.

2. have (got) the TV/radio/washing machine etc on if you have your television, radio etc on, you have switched it on and it is working:
Billie has the radio on all day long.

3. be having somebody on especially British English to be trying to make someone believe something that is not true, especially as a joke:
Don’t believe a word he says. He’s having you on!

4. have (got) something on British English to have arranged to do something, go somewhere etc, especially when this means you cannot do something else:
Sorry, I can’t help you this weekend – I’ve got too much on already.

5. have (got) something on somebody to know about something bad that someone has done:
What do the police have on him?

6. have (got) nothing on somebody/something informal to not be nearly as good as someone or something else:
Rock ‘n’ roll has got nothing on these African rhythms.
have something out phrasal verb

1. to have a tooth etc removed by a medical operation

2. have it out (with somebody) informal to settle a disagreement or difficult situation by talking to the person involved, especially when you are angry with them:
I’m going round to his house to have it out with him.
have somebody over (also have somebody round especially British English) phrasal verb
if you have someone over, they come to your house for a meal, drink etc because you have invited them:
We must have you over for dinner before we leave.
have somebody up phrasal verb [usually passive] British English informal
to make someone go to a court of law because you think they have committed a crime
have somebody up for something
Last year he was had up for drunken driving.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

III. have³ S1 W3 verb, have to do something (also have got to do something especially British English)

1. if you have to do something, you must do it because it is necessary or because someone makes you do it:
We don’t have to rush – there’s plenty of time.
I hate having to get up early in the morning.
If you earn more than £5,000, you will have to pay tax.
I’ve got to be at the hospital at 4 o'clock.
It’ll have to be on a Sunday. I’ll be working every other day.

REGISTER
In writing, people often prefer to say someone is forced to do something or is obliged to do something, as these sound more formal than have to do something:
■ They had to pay tax on the full amount. ➔ They were obliged to pay tax on the full amount.
■ | Many businesses have had to close. ➔ Many businesses have been forced to close.

2. used to say that it is important that something happens, or that something must happen if something else is to happen:
There has to be an end to the violence.
You’ve got to believe me!
There will have to be a complete ceasefire before the Government will agree to talks.
You have to be good to succeed in this game.

3. used to tell someone how to do something:
First of all you have to mix the flour and the butter.

4. used to say that you are sure that something will happen or something is true:
House prices have to go up sooner or later.
This has to be a mistake.
You have got to be joking!
No one else could have done it – it had to be Neville.

5. used to suggest that someone should do something because you think it would be enjoyable or useful:
You’ll have to come and meet my wife some time.

6. spoken used when something annoying happens in a way that things always seem to happen:
Of course it had to happen today, when all the shops are shut.

7. spoken used to say that only one thing or person is good enough or right for someone:
For Francesca it has to be the Ritz – nowhere else will do.

8. do you have to do something? spoken used to ask someone to stop doing something that annoys you:
Lieutenant, do you have to keep repeating everything I’ve just said?

9. I have to say/admit/confess spoken used to show that you are making an honest statement even though it may be embarrassing for you:
I have to say I don’t know the first thing about computers.
⇒ must¹

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

have
verb
1.
BAD: After buying the food, he had not any money left.
GOOD: After buying the food, he didn't have any money left.

Usage Note:
When have is used as a main verb, the negative and question forms are made with do : 'I didn't have any breakfast this morning.'
Note the alternative: 'After buying the food, he hadn't got any money left.'

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2.
BAD: Some wives earn a lot of money and so their husbands haven't to work.
GOOD: Some wives earn a lot of money and so their husbands don't have to work.
BAD: He was pleased that he had not to look after the baby.
GOOD: He was pleased that he didn't have to look after the baby.

Usage Note:
The negative and question forms of have to are usually made with do : 'I don't have to leave just yet.' 'Do you really have to go now?'

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3.
DUBIOUS: He has got white hair, big ears and blue eyes.
GOOD: He's got white hair, big ears and blue eyes.
DUBIOUS: I have not got a van and so I can't move my things by myself.
GOOD: I haven't got a van and so I can't move my things by myself.

Usage Note:
The different forms of have got are nearly always contracted when they are spoken or written: 'I've got two sisters.' 'She's got big brown eyes.' 'He wanted to know if I'd got any money.'

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4.
BAD: I stayed at home yesterday because I was having a bad cold.
GOOD: I stayed at home yesterday because I had a bad cold.

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5.
DUBIOUS: It all depends on whether the applicant has got suitable qualifications.
GOOD: It all depends on whether the applicant has suitable qualifications.

Usage Note:
Have got is used only in informal styles (mainly in British English). In other styles, use have .

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6.
BAD: I don't think that I have to say anything more, so I'll stop now and take this letter to the post office.
GOOD: I don't think that I have anything more to say, so I'll stop now and take this letter to the post office.

Usage Note:
have to do sth = must do something: 'My train leaves in ten minutes so I'll have to go now.'
have sth to do = have something that you need or intend to do: 'I have two more letters to write.'

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7.
See AGO 2 (ago)

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8.
See COLOUR 1 (colour), SIZE (size)

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

eat to put food in your mouth and chew and swallow it:
Experts recommend eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.
have to eat a particular food:
‘What do you usually have for breakfast?’ ‘I usually just have coffee and toast.’
We had the set meal.
feed on something to eat a particular kind of food – used when talking about animals:
Foxes feed on a wide range of foods including mice, birds, insects, and fruit.
consume written to eat or drink something – used especially in scientific or technical contexts:
Babies consume large amounts relative to their body weight.
munch (on) something to eat something with big continuous movements of your mouth, especially when you are enjoying your food:
He was munching on an apple.
They were sitting on a bench munching their sandwiches.
nibble (on) something to eat something by biting off very small pieces:
If you want a healthy snack, why not just nibble on a carrot?
pick at something to eat only a small amount of your food because you are not hungry or do not like the food:
Lisa was so upset that she could only pick at her food.
stuff/gorge yourself to eat so much food that you cannot eat anything else:
He’s always stuffing himself with cakes.
We gorged ourselves on my mother’s delicious apple tart.
slurp to eat soup, noodles etc with a noisy sucking sound:
In England it’s considered rude to slurp your soup, but in some countries it’s seen as a sign of enjoyment.
gobble something up/down informal to eat something very quickly, especially because you like it very much or you are greedy:
You’ve gobbled up all the ice-cream!
The children gobbled it down in no time.
wolf something down informal to eat food quickly, especially because you are very hungry or in a hurry:
The boy wolfed down everything on his plate and asked for more.
bolt something down British English to eat food very quickly, especially because you are in a hurry:
He bolted down his breakfast and was out of the door within 5 minutes.
You shouldn’t bolt your food down like that.
devour /dɪˈvaʊə $ -ˈvaʊr/ especially written to eat all of something quickly because you are very hungry:
In a very short time, the snake had devoured the whole animal.
be on a diet to be eating less or different food than normal in order to become thinner:
No cake thanks – I’m on a diet.
fast to not eat for a period of time, often for religious reasons:
Muslim people fast during the month of Ramadan.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

own if you own something, it legally belongs to you:
They live in a flat but they don’t own it.
The land is owned by farmers.
a privately owned plane
have [not in passive] to own something – used when focussing on the fact that someone has the use of something, rather than the fact that they legally own it:
How many students have a cell phone?
I wish I had a sports car.
possess [not in passive] formal to own something:
It is illegal to possess a firearm in Britain.
I don’t even possess a smart suit!
belong to somebody/something [not in passive] if something belongs to you, you own it:
The ring belonged to my grandmother.
hold to own shares in a company:
One man holds a third of the company’s shares.
be the property of somebody/something formal to be owned by someone – written on signs, labels etc:
This camera is the property of the BBC.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

have
hæv
See: cat has nine lives , one's cake and have it too , every cloud has a silver lining , every dog has his day , have nothing on or have anything on , little pitchers have big ears , or an important word after this in the sentence

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲