noun
wight
wyt
noun
1
An archaic or literary word for a living being, especially a person.
"The old poem speaks of "a wight so bold and true.""
2
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 notesIn 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.
Word Forms
wights plural
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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."