Apr 7, 2025 · The online etymology dictionary (etymonline) is the internet's go-to source for quick and reliable accounts of the origin and history of English words, phrases, and idioms.

Probably first English use in title of a book was in Sir Thomas Elyot's "Latin Dictionary" (1538). As an adjective, "of or pertaining to a dictionary," from 1630s.

"facts of the origin and development of a word," from Old French etimologie, ethimologie… See origin and meaning of etymology.

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of search," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/search. Copy

The online etymology dictionary (etymonline) is the internet's go-to source for quick and reliable accounts of the origin and history of English words, phrases, and idioms.

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of English," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/English. Copy

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of old," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed December 3, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/old. Copy

The secondary meanings of the two words keep this difference. [Century Dictionary] A passion-play (1843, in a German context) represents the scenes in the Passion of Christ. The passion-flower was …

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of idiom," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed December 6, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/idiom. Copy

"an Israelite." Traditionally from an ancestral name Eber, but probably literally "one… See origin and meaning of hebrew.