etymology
noun
the derivation of a word.
etymologist
-
a word derived from
etymology.
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.
The word came into English as “empechen” by way of the Old French word empechier, meaning to prevent or to hinder, according to the British etymologist Michael Quinion.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 18, 2019
Others, such as etymologist and author Michael Quinion, have found references dating back to 1903.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2015
“I make it sound very scholarly,” says Merriam etymologist Jim Rader, a onetime Slavic linguistics graduate student who writes the historical notes.
From Slate ● Jan. 12, 2015
I’m no etymologist; I don’t know when that exclamation point became a question mark and was wrapped in sarcasm.
From New York Times ● Oct. 1, 2012
Dr. Jamieson, the etymologist, defines a mill to be the vulgar name for a snuff-box, one especially of a cylindrical form, or resembling an inverted cone.
From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 12, No. 325, August 2, 1828 by Various
