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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Formed from "chair" plus "-woman," on the model of "chairman."

From institution + -al.

From "speed" plus the agent suffix "-ster," as in "gangster" or "trickster."

From non- plus profit.

From under- plus tow, describing a current that tows or drags things beneath the surface.

From story plus telling.

From Sanskrit विनय (vinaya), meaning ideal behavior, humility, civility, courtesy, intellect.

Japanese · 1907

From Japanese sukiyaki, first recorded in English in 1907.

From Medieval Latin cautionarius, related to caution.

From Ram (the god) + babu ("son").

From a Middle English word for bubbling, imitating the sound itself.

From Arabic Aminah, the feminine form of Amin, "trustworthy."

From a Manchu word; the site began as a small fishing village before growing into a major city.

From Middle English variants like oferrlaferrd, built from over- + lord.

A compound of "head" and "first."

From chum (\"friend\") + the adjective-forming suffix -y.

Formed in English from the phrasal verb "stake out," turning the action into a noun.

From structural + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

A compound of sun and burst.

From Middle English Stonhenge, literally "hanging stones" — from stone plus an old word related to "hinge", possibly describing the huge lintel stones that appear to hang across the uprights.

See yada yada yada.

miscommunication

From mis- + communication.

From Mandarin Guǎngdōng, "Guang East" — paired with neighbouring Guangxi ("Guang West"). An older form of the same name gave English "Canton."

From "rain" + "storm" — a storm whose main feature is heavy rain.