DictionaryAI

etymology

noun
et-uh-MOL-uh-jee/ˌɛtəˈmɑləd͡ʒi/UKet-i-MOL-uh-jee/ˌɛtɪˈmɒləd͡ʒi/

Pluraletymologies

2 meanings of etymology

Practice

  1. 1
    dictionary notenouncountable
    An explanation of where a word or name comes from and how its form and meaning changed.

    The dictionary gives a short etymology at the end of each entry.

    I read the etymology to find out which language the word came from.

    UsageSay the etymology of a word.

    Similarderivation, origin

    Note
  2. 2
    field of studynoununcountable
    The study of where words come from and how their sounds, spellings and meanings changed over time.

    My uncle loves etymology and can tell you where almost any word comes from.

    She took a class in etymology at college.

    UsageNot entomology, which is the study of insects.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From a Greek word meaning "the study of the true meaning" of words.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 1 fact

  • Etymology ultimately derives from a Greek word whose literal meaning is the study of the true meaning of words. fr.wiktionary.org