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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A shortened form of "cemetery," used mainly in abbreviations, maps, and old records.

From marksman plus the suffix -ship, which turns a role into the skill or quality associated with it (compare "leadership").

From "mummify" plus the noun-forming ending "-ication," modelled on French momification.

Formed from inter- ("between") and racial.

From Late Latin innovator, from innovare, "to renew."

From moon + lit, formed the same way as "sunlit."

From "inhale" + "-er."

From "infuriate" + "-ing."

From in- ("not") plus conclusive.

Formed from incinerate + the agent suffix -or.

From in plus bound (in the sense of "heading toward").

From inspiration + -al.

From re- ("again") plus "negotiate."

An alteration of the older word "slidder," meaning "to slide or creep," ultimately from Old English roots shared with "slide."

From Medieval Latin incrīminātus, from Latin in- plus crīmen ("crime, accusation").

Borrowed from Spanish Esteban.

From Middle English gessyng, gessynge, equivalent to guess + -ing.

An old dialect word of uncertain origin, likely related to "hobble" and other words describing something lumpy or disordered.

A deverbal from walk out.

From meticulous + -ly.

From the Latin form of the name Esther.

From rove + -ing.

From Mandarin Chinese 苗 (Miáo).

From Medieval Latin superhumanus, from super- ("above") + humanus ("human").