Etymonline — Online Etymology Dictionary
A dictionary that tells you not what a word means but where it came from: which roots, which languages it passed through, and how its meaning shifted along the way.
What it is
The Online Etymology Dictionary, better known as Etymonline, explains the origin and history of English words, phrases and idioms. It does not tell you what a word means today; it tells you where it came from, which languages it traveled through and how its meaning and sound changed on the way. Douglas Harper created it in 2001 and still runs it, with independent researcher Talia Felix as associate editor since 2021.
Why we picked it
Type in any English word, like salary, nice or muscle, and a second later you are reading a short origin story. Very often a familiar word turns out to have meant something completely different centuries ago, and words you would never connect turn out to be cousins. The site describes itself as a map of the wheel-ruts of modern English, which is a lovely way to put it.
For anyone learning English, it is a gift. Words with a story behind them stick far better than lines on a vocabulary list. The entries are short and plain-spoken but still cite their sources. If you have ever wanted to look up a word's etymology and actually enjoy the answer, start here.
Where to start
- Search for a word you use every day and read where it came from.
- Look up a few words that surprised you recently; the history often explains the quirk.
- Browse the dictionary alphabetically and follow whatever catches your eye.
- Check out the Columns section for longer pieces on word history.
- Install the Chrome extension or the mobile app to look words up on the go.
Who it's for
English learners and teachers, translators, writers, language nerds, and anyone who enjoys dropping an unexpected fact at dinner.
Quick answers
Is Etymonline free? Yes, the dictionary is free to use; an optional Premium subscription supports the project.
Who writes Etymonline? It was created by Douglas Harper in 2001, with Talia Felix as associate editor since 2021.
Is there an Etymonline app? Yes, the site links to iOS and Android apps and a Chrome extension.
