Dec 17, 2025 · The online etymology dictionary (etymonline) is the internet's go-to source for quick and reliable accounts of the origin and history of English words, phrases, and idioms.

The origin of any particular word is also known as its etymology. For languages with a long written history, etymologists make use of texts, particularly texts about the language itself, to gather …

4 days ago · Wordorigins.org focuses on word and phrase origins and the history of the English language, but from time to time expands into discussions about language in general.

Discover the origins and evolution of words with our AI-powered etymology dictionary. Search thousands of English words, explore linguistic history, and understand word meanings through professional …

Explore words with surprising origins and histories.

1 day ago · Combining both accessibility and authority, The Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins describes the origins and development of over 3,000 words and phrases in the English language.

Explore our collection of word stories detailing the etymology and semantic development of a wide range of words, from taffety tarts, engine, and dungarees to digital, information, and witch.

Etymology, the study of word origins and evolution, offers a fascinating journey through the history of language. This comprehensive exploration delves into the fundamental concepts, methods, and …

Dec 21, 2025 · etymology, the history of a word or word element, including its origins and derivation.

Apr 29, 2025 · The etymology of a word refers to its origin and historical development: that is, its earliest known use, its transmission from one language to another, and its changes in form and meaning.