adj.
Pronunciation: ' v ā -k ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin vacant-, vacans, present participle of vacare to be empty, be free
Date: 14th century
1 : not occupied by an incumbent, possessor, or officer <a vacant office> < vacant thrones>
2 : being without content or occupant <a vacant seat on a bus> <a vacant room>
3 : free from activity or work : DISENGAGED < vacant hours>
4 : devoid of thought, reflection, or expression <a vacant smile>
5 : not lived in < vacant houses>
6 a : not put to use < vacant land> b : having no heir or claimant : ABANDONED <a vacant estate>
synonyms see EMPTY
– va · cant · ly adverb
– va · cant · ness noun