doughnut
The origin and history of doughnut.
Etymology
From dough plus nut — originally small, nut-sized fried dough balls; the now-familiar ring shape became standard in the 20th century. First recorded in Washington Irving's writing in 1809.
Class of 1809
doughnut first entered the language around 1809. Other words from the same year:
See the full Class of 1809 →