willy
1 Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
noun
Etymology
Origin of willy1
First recorded in 1825–35; special use of dialect willy, Old English wilige “basket” (originally one made of willow twigs); akin to willow
Origin of willy2
First recorded in 1900–05; possibly from Willy ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We'll end up disappearing," said Willy Ngepa, who has been a fisherman for more than 40 years in the DRC, one of the poorest countries in the world.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
Maresca would likely want to bring his own staff to Etihad Stadium and it is understood his former Leicester and Chelsea assistant, and ex-City goalkeeper, Willy Caballero will join him.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
A two-time Tony winner, she is likely to win a third for her featured performance in “Salesman” as Willy Loman’s bracingly unbending wife, Linda.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
Scotland keeper Angus Gunn, 30, could also become a free agent, while experienced Ivory Coast centre-back Willy Boly, 35, has played just one League Cup game since signing a one-year extension last June.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
Stone Fox must have heard little Willy, but he did not look at him.
From "Stone Fox" by John Reynolds Gardiner
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.