Quick answer
Avaunt means begone; away with you. It is usually pronounced uh-VAWNT, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Avaunt
Avaunt means begone; away with you. It belongs to shakespearean and stagey words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
shakespeareanstageydramatic
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, avaunt refers to begone; away with you. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Avaunt feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Avaunt is generally traced to from Old French avant, meaning “forward” or “away”. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Avaunt is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- Avaunt, meddling fool, cried the actor with great satisfaction.
- She waved the cat off the counter with a mock-royal avaunt.
- The parody poem was full of begones and avaunts.
- It is hard to say avaunt without sounding theatrical.
When should you use this word?
Use avaunt when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
Begone, Away, Depart, Leave me
Opposite or contrasting words
Welcome, Stay, Come closer
Common questions
- What does avaunt mean? begone; away with you.
- How do you pronounce avaunt? It is commonly pronounced uh-VAWNT.
- Is avaunt still used today? Avaunt is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use avaunt? Use avaunt when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to avaunt? Similar words include Begone, Away, Depart, and Leave me.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.