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 broadcast (“to transmit a message or signal through radio waves or electronic means”) + -er (suffix forming agent nouns).

From Old English "Eadgyth," combining "ead" (wealth, fortune) and "gyth" (war, strife).

From Latin patricia (“noble”); later also seen as the feminine form of the saint's name Patrick.

From Old English lōcung, the noun form of look, with the -ing ending that turns a verb into an action-noun.

Borrowed from French laquais, tracing back through Spanish and possibly Arabic or Turkish origins.

From French syndicat ("board of representatives"), from syndic, ultimately from Ancient Greek sundikos, "advocate for a defendant" — built from syn- ("with") and dike ("justice").

From Middle French décrépit, from Latin dēcrepitus ("very old"), related to crepāre ("to creak").

From tang ("sharp taste") + the adjective-forming suffix -y.

From French tampon, ultimately from a Frankish word for a stopper or plug — the same root behind "tap."

From French tambourin ("little drum"), from tambour ("drum"), which traces back to Arabic and Persian words for a drum.

From Old French talon, meaning "heel" or "spur," ultimately from Latin talus, meaning "ankle."

A clipped, informal shortening of "sociology" or "society."

Likely from an old Germanic word for a cat, possibly imitating a sound used to call one over.

From drain + -age.

From the plural of Middle English pocke, "pock" — the curse sense comes from the old habit of literally wishing the disease on an enemy.

From Middle English whit (“white”) + halgh (“corner, nook; hall”).

Borrowed via German and Italian from Arabic mardaban, originally the name of a spice box, itself named after the Burmese port of Martaban.

From adapt plus the suffix -ive.

From actual plus the suffix -ity.

From New Latin vascularis, based on Latin vasculum, a little vessel, itself a diminutive of vas, "vessel."

From Old English misteltān, from mistel ("mistletoe") plus tān ("twig"). The final syllable was later mistaken for "toe."

Partly from Old English hēafodweġ ("main road"), and partly a shortening of "ahead-way," describing forward progress.

Borrowed from French domino, originally meaning a hooded garment worn by priests, ultimately from Latin dominus, "lord."

A learned borrowing of the Old English rune name ȳr, whose exact original meaning is uncertain, though it may be linked to "yew" or a bow made of yew wood.