# don

/ˈdɑn/ (US) · /dˈɒn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/don
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a teacher or professor at a university, especially at Oxford or Cambridge in England. It can also refer to a powerful leader in a criminal group.

For teachers: a university teacher, particularly a fellow or tutor at Oxford or Cambridge. Also used to denote a high-ranking member or head of a Mafia family.

## Examples

- The history don gave a fascinating lecture on the industrial revolution.
- After years of research, the senior don was appointed to lead the university's new science department.

## Usage notes

- When used as a title before a name (e.g., Don Corleone), it is typically capitalized.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.