noun
etymologist
eh-tih-MOL-uh-jist
Etymologist (noun) means a linguist or lexicographer who specialises in tracing the origins of words. Example: “The etymologist explained where the word came from and how its meaning had shifted.”
noun
1
A linguist or lexicographer who specialises in tracing the origins of words.
"The etymologist explained where the word came from and how its meaning had shifted."
"She consulted an etymologist to check the history of the surname."
"Etymologists trace how words pass from one language into another over time."
How to use etymologist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who studies where words come from and how they have changed.
When to use it
The word is fairly formal and mostly appears in academic or reference contexts.
Memory tip
Link it to etymology, the subject, in the same way sociologist links to sociology.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
consult an etymologist
according to etymologists
trained etymologist
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The _____ explained where the word came from and how its meaning had shifted.
Etymology
The word is formed from etymology with the ending -ist, added to name a person who studies that field.
Rhymes for etymologist
geologist
zoologist
biologist
urologist
oncologist
genealogist
sociologist
radiologist
neurologist
pathologist
seismologist
nephrologist
See all rhymes for etymologist →
Frequently asked questions
What does an etymologist study?
An etymologist studies etymology, meaning the origin of words and how their forms and meanings have changed over time.
Is an etymologist the same as a linguist?
An etymologist is a kind of linguist or lexicographer who specialises specifically in word origins, rather than language in general.
Where does the word etymologist come from?
It comes from etymology plus the ending -ist, the same pattern used for words like scientist.
What is the meaning of etymologist?
"etymologist" (noun) means a linguist or lexicographer who specialises in tracing the origins of words.
