English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

Etymology — The origins of English words

Where do words come from? Trace the origin and history of any English word, from its Latin, Greek or Old English roots through to its modern meaning. Every etymology is sourced.

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From Japanese 京都 (Kyōto), literally "capital city."

An imitative word copying the sound of a heavy object landing; related to "plunk".

From Hungarian Buda, probably from a Slavic personal name.

The plural of firework, first recorded in English around 1575, likely borrowed via Dutch and German equivalents.

From Latin Gratiae ("the Graces"), from gratia ("grace, favor"), ultimately from Ancient Greek kharis ("grace, charity").

From Middle French éjection, from Latin eiectio.

From Old English sunnbēam, a compound of sun and beam.

From Middle English dippere; equivalent to dip + -er.

From Old English prēost ("priest") + tūn ("settlement").

From Greek Nazarenos, "of Nazareth," referring to the town where Jesus grew up.

unconstitutional

From un- + constitutional.

Borrowed from French barricade, related to barrique ("barrel") — barrels were often used to build early street barriers.

From flag + ship — literally the ship that flies the commander's flag.

From Latin adoptio, from adoptare ("to adopt"); equivalent to adopt + -ion.

From para- ("beyond") + normal; the term entered English around 1905 to describe events outside ordinary scientific explanation.

A pet form of Maggie, itself a pet form of Margaret.

The Spanish and Italian form of the same name that gives English Alphonse; several medieval Spanish kings were named Alfonso.

Borrowed directly from French comte, itself descended from the Latin word behind "count."

From Latin ferox, "wild, bold, fierce," plus the adjective ending -ous.

Borrowed from French ensemble, meaning "together."

From Spanish aficionado, originally "fan of bullfighting" — a doublet of the English word "affectionate."

From German Botulismus, built on Latin botulus, "sausage" — early cases were traced to spoiled sausages — plus the medical suffix "-ism."

A corrupted form of "guiche," another slang term for the same body part.

Named after the French city of Arras, once a major center for producing fine tapestries.