wis

¹ American  

[wis] / wɪs /

verb (used with or without object)

Archaic.

1. to know.

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Wis. ² American  

Or Wisc

abbreviation

1. Wisconsin.

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Wis. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Wisconsin

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wis ² British  

/ wɪs /

verb

1. archaic to know or suppose (something)

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Etymology

Origin of wis

1500–10; by false analysis of iwis as I wis I know; wit ²

Example Sentences

“Tunes hiv been whirlin aroon in the air an in ma heid an hairt since I wis a bairn, an I wis composing tunes an songs even then,” she wrote in her book.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2022

In addition to that general warning, hundreds of articles also display this more specific disclaimer: “The ‘Scots’ that wis uised in this airticle wis written bi a body that’s mither tongue isna Scots.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 2020

“I remember a time when there wis so many boats that yi’ could walk across the harbor on their decks,” he told me forlornly.

From Slate • Jul. 24, 2017

Seahawks-Packers controversial finish: On the last play of Monday Night Football, the Seattle Seahawks’ Golden Tate wis credited with hauling in a 24-yard, game-winning touchdown pass in a 14-12 win against the Packers.

From Washington Post • Sep. 25, 2012

Nicolas wis interested in doing it for commercial reasons, in a gigantic hot-air sausage on which would be printed an advertisement for carbonated drinks.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende