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.

Browse etymology by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Recently added

Uncertain. Assertions of its universality among children regardless of culture or parent tongue are likely false.

Borrowed from the Shawnee name Tekamthi.

Variant spelling of Ramsey.

From Armenian տառեխ (taṙex). Doublet of bottarga.

From Old English "ǣht," meaning possessions or property, related to an ancient root meaning "to own" or "to have."

A casual clipping of "details," respelled to show the long "e" sound.

From clear + -y.

As a female name, from Isabel/Isabella/Isabelle.

From the Italian surname Paganini, associated with the violinist Niccolò Paganini.

From Anglo-Norman hocher, ultimately from a Germanic root related to jiggling or shaking.

From Niobe, a figure in Greek mythology who wept so long after losing her children that she was turned to stone.

A blend of "star" and "date," invented for the Star Trek franchise to give a futuristic feel to in-universe timestamps.

A diminutive found across Slavic languages, from names built on "Mil-" ("grace, beloved"), such as Ludmila or Milena; also used as a short form of Emily in Spanish.

A shortened form of "jiffy."

From Middle English, likely referring to a stud-herd keeper.

From Latin Aram, from Biblical Hebrew aram.

From Italian Nanni.

Coined circa 1971, a blend of American and track.

From guru plus the respectful suffix -ji.

* (perseonal names): Derived from various place names in England.

From Old English træppe (“(fish)-trap”) + ford.

From Old English sealh (“willow, sallow”) + ford (“ford”).

From Old English æþele ("noble") + stān ("stone").

Formed from "kitchen" plus the agent suffix "-er," describing someone who works in one. It also survives as a surname and, from the British field marshal Herbert Kitchener, as a place name in Canada and Australia.