Phrase guide

have got

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To have.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, especially, idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • I'd got her by the collar.
  • Jim's got his eyes closed, so you don't have to worry about him seeing you undressed.
  • José's got a car, hasn't he? Neither you nor I have.
  • Sorry, I haven't got beer. We don’t keep any alcohol in the house.
  • I’ve got a terrible headache. – Have you, dear? Take this tablet and you won't anymore.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To be obliged or obligated; must, have to, got to

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, modal, with-infinitive

Examples

  • I have got to do my homework.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • She has $1,000 in the bank
  • He has got two beautiful daughters
  • She holds a Master's degree from Harvard

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: have, hold

Antonyms: none provided

Narrower terms: sustain, keep, maintain, hold on, monopolize, monopolise, wield, exert, stock, carry, stockpile, bear, hold

History

Etymology

From the present perfect of get.