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ETYMOLOGY Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Est. 1828 Dictionary Definition Definition Did you know? Example Sentences Word History Phrases Containing Rhymes Entries Near Related Articles Podcast Cite this Entry Citation Kids Definition Kids More from M-W Show more Show more Citation Kids More from M-W Save Word To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In etymology noun et·​y·​mol·​o·​gy ˌe-tə-ˈmä-lə-jē plural etymologies Simple Definition A Simple Definition is available from our Learner's Dictionary to help you understand the meaning faster. 1 : the history of a linguistic form (such as a word) shown by tracing its development since its earliest recorded occurrence in the language where it is found, by tracing its transmission from one language to another, by analyzing it into its component parts, by identifying its cognates in other languages, or by tracing it and its cognates to a common ancestral form in an ancestral language 2 : a branch of linguistics concerned with etymologies etymological ˌe-tə-mə-ˈlä-ji-kəl adjective etymologically ˌe-tə-mə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē adverb Did you know? Commonly Confused: Etymology vs. Entomology The etymology of etymology itself is relatively straightforward, so we won’t bug you with a lengthy explanation. Etymology ultimately comes from the Greek word etymon , meaning “literal meaning of a word according to its origin.” Etymon in turn comes from etymos , which means “true.” Be careful not to confuse etymology with the similar sounding entomology . Entomon means “insect” in Greek, and entomology is a branch of zoology that deals with insects. Examples of etymology in a Sentence Visible just beneath the entries are tantalizing glimpses of the lexicographer's craft: scouring periodicals for fresh coinages, poring over competing dictionaries in search of elusive etymologies and hounding writers and scholars in the service of … "ear candy" or plain old "duh." — Margalit Fox , New York Times Book Review , 18 June 1995 Professionals have always tried to seal the borders of their trade and to snipe at any outsider with a pretense to amateur enthusiasm (although amateurs who truly love their subject, as the etymology of their status proclaims, often acquire far more expertise than the average time-clock-punching breadwinner). — Stephen Jay Gould , Natural History , February 1991 True etymology , if there is such a thing, seeks to displace our attention back in time, to roots, whereas the "popular" variety tries to update words, to familiarize them where the so-called science estranges them. — Walter Redfern , Puns , 1984 Several different etymologies have been proposed. Recent Examples on the Web Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback . The etymology of words can be complicated. — Encyclopedia Britannica , 2 Apr. 2026 Two botanical definitions, as expected, with all hyperlinks working and all acute accents in the etymology intact. — Kory Stamper, Longreads , 19 Mar. 2026 This year, Nikhil requested a spelling tutor and devoted hours each day to studying word etymologies , languages of origin and specific word sets. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post , 10 Mar. 2026 Drawing on his experience — and knowledge of word etymology — Logan powered through the final round on Wednesday like a pro. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald , 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for etymology Word History Etymology Middle English ethimologie , from Anglo-French, from Latin etymologia , from Greek, from etymon + -logia -logy First Known Use 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Time Traveler The first known use of etymology was in the 14th century See more words from the same century Phrases Containing etymology folk etymology Rhymes for etymology aetiology anthropology archaeology archeology audiology cardiology climatology cohomology cosmetology criminology demonology dermatology See All Rhymes for etymology Browse Nearby Words etymologize etymology etymon See all Nearby Words Articles Related to etymology How to Use the Dictionary Take it from the people who know. Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came... Which word entered the English language first? 'Muskrat,' 'Helpmate,' and 6 More Folk... When logic meets language Podcast Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox! Sign Up Cite this Entry Style MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster “Etymology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etymology. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026. Copy Citation Kids Definition etymology noun et·​y·​mol·​o·​gy ˌet-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jē plural etymologies : the history of a word shown by tracing it or its parts back to the earliest known forms and meanings both in its own language and any other language from which it or its parts may have been taken etymological -mə-ˈläj-i-kəl adjective etymologically -ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē adverb etymologist -ˈmäl-ə-jəst noun Etymology Latin etymologia "etymology," from Greek etymon "true meaning of a word" and Greek -logia "study, science," from etymos "true" and logos "word, reason" More from Merriam-Webster on etymology Nglish: Translation of etymology for Spanish Speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about etymology Last Updated: 9 Apr 2026 - Updated example sentences Love words? Need even more definitions? Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! 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