etymology
noun
the derivation of a word.
etymologies
-
pluralof etymology.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Ms. Day has the young writer’s weakness for showing off knowledge and she needlessly indulges in essay-like digressions on rhetorical terms and Latin etymologies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
Below are selected definitions, variant forms and etymologies.
From Seattle Times ● May 27, 2023
In this stimulating chemical chronicle, Peter Wothers unravels tangled etymologies.
From Nature ● Dec. 9, 2019
For decades the answer to that question has been the Bigfoot of word origins, chased around wild speculative corners by amateur word freaks, with exasperated lexicographers and debunkers of folk etymologies in hot pursuit.
From New York Times ● Dec. 26, 2012
My most absorbing interests at the present time are etymologies of ancient languages, the newer works on the calculus of variations, and Hindu history.
From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes
