Definition

1. Noun:

   • A Spanish courtesy title or form of address for men: A title prefixed to a man's first name, used as a mark of respect, similar to "Sir" or "Mr." in English.
   • A Spanish gentleman or nobleman: A man of high social standing or noble birth in Spanish-speaking cultures.
   • The head of an organized crime family: The leader of a Mafia family or similar criminal organization.
   • A teacher at a university or college (especially at Cambridge or Oxford): A senior member or fellow of a college, particularly in these traditional British universities, responsible for teaching and governance.
   • A European river in southwestern Russia: A major river flowing into the Sea of Azov.
   • A Celtic goddess; mother of Gwydion and Arianrhod: A figure in Welsh mythology.

2. Verb:

   • To put clothing on one's body: To dress oneself in a garment or item of clothing.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The letter was addressed to Don Miguel de Cervantes. (The title is used before the name.)
  • The local don was known for his generosity and influence. (Referring to a Spanish gentleman.)
  • The police were trying to identify the new don of the crime syndicate. (Referring to a mafia boss.)
  • She sought advice from her don at Oxford. (Referring to a university teacher.)
  • The Don River basin is an important agricultural region. (Referring to the river.)

• Verb:

  • He will don his uniform for the ceremony.
  • The knight donned his armor before the battle.

Advanced Usage

• "To don and doff": A phrase meaning to put on and take off clothing or gear, often used formally or in specific contexts (e.g., safety equipment).
  • Workers must don protective goggles before entering the lab.

Variants and Related Words

• Donnée (n): A basic fact or assumption. (From French, related in form but not meaning).
• Donor (n): A person who donates something. (Shares the Latin root , meaning "to give").

Synonyms

• Noun (Title/Gentleman): Sir, Señor, lord, nobleman.
• Noun (Crime boss): boss, chief, capo, godfather.
• Noun (Teacher): professor, fellow, tutor, lecturer.
• Verb: put on, wear, dress in, get into.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Not commonly formed with "don" as a verb)

Related Idioms

• "Done up like a don": (Informal, rare) Dressed very formally or impressively.
  • He arrived at the party done up like a don in a tailored suit.

Noun

1. a Spanish courtesy title or form of address for men that is prefixed to the forename
   • Don Roberto
2. a European river in southwestern Russia; flows into the Sea of Azov
3. Celtic goddess; mother of Gwydion and Arianrhod; corresponds to Irish Danu
4. the head of an organized crime family
5. teacher at a university or college (especially at Cambridge or Oxford)
6. a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

Verb

1. put clothing on one's body
   • What should I wear today?
   • He put on his best suit for the wedding
   • The princess donned a long blue dress
   • The queen assumed the stately robes
   • He got into his jeans