noun Uncommon

wight

wyt

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Wight (noun) means an archaic or literary word for a living being, especially a person. Example: “The old poem speaks of "a wight so bold and true.”

noun

An archaic or literary word for a living being, especially a person.

"The old poem speaks of "a wight so bold and true.""

"He called Worsel, and, upon being informed that the recorders were ready, he started in. Characteristically, he began with Prellin of Bronseca, and memorized the data covering that wight as he transmitted it." — Edward Elmer Smith, Gray Lensman (1939)

In fantasy fiction and folklore, an undead or supernatural creature.

"The heroes were ambushed by wights rising from the old battlefield."

How to use wight

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for a person or creature, now best known from fantasy stories where it means an undead being.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "white" (they sound alike in some accents but are unrelated) or the Isle of Wight, an English place name.

When to use it

Archaic outside of fantasy fiction and games — rarely used in everyday speech.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: wights

Test yourself on “wight” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old poem speaks of "a _____ so bold and true."

Etymology

From Old English wiht ("thing, creature"), an ancient word related to Dutch and German words for "child" or "creature."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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creature wraith

Related words

being animal tool monster ghost beast creature phantom

Rhymes for wight

ight night right fight light might tight sight knight bright flight wright

See all rhymes for wight →

Frequently asked questions

What does “wight” mean?

The word “wight” means an archaic or literary word for a living being, especially a person. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for a person or creature, now best known from fantasy stories where it means an undead being.

How do you pronounce “wight”?

“Wight” is pronounced wyt (/waɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “wight” in a sentence?

Here is “wight” used in a sentence: “The old poem speaks of "a wight so bold and true.".”

What part of speech is “wight”?

“Wight” is a noun.

Where does the word “wight” come from?

The word “wight” comes from Old English. From Old English wiht ("thing, creature"), an ancient word related to Dutch and German words for "child" or "creature.".

Is “wight” a common word?

“Wight” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “wight” have?

“Wight” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an archaic or literary word for a living being, especially a person.

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