dependant

British  

/ dɪˈpɛndənt /

noun

1. a person who depends on another person, organization, etc, for support, aid, or sustenance, esp financial support

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Commonly Confused

See dependent

Explanation

A dependant is someone who relies on someone else, possibly for financial support. You'll most often find this spelling in British English, where it's favored (or favoured!) in using the word as a noun. Don't be confused by the spelling. In the UK, the -ant ending often shows up for the noun but not the adjective. In the US, the -ent ending is more popular for both the noun and adjective. Either way, this word has to do with reliance. Kids are dependants (or dependents) of their parents, which means they depend on them for food and shelter.

Example Sentences

The duty is increasing across most fare bands, with different amounts charged dependant on the distance of the flight.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Volkswagen and Audi on Friday said their full-year financial guidance was dependant on an adequate supply of semiconductors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Ella and her three housemates split the rent of £3,000 a month dependant on the size of their bedrooms, but their home does not have a living room.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

Prof Jones said the future of the site was dependant on what kind of use the local planning authority would allow.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2025

He was grateful to Alga� in that matter of the sciatic nerve, but it was not his place as a seigneur to make morning calls on a dependant.

From The Maid of Honour (Vol. 3 of 3) A Tale of the Dark Days of France by Wingfield, Lewis