adown

1 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈdau̇n
archaic
: down

adown

2 of 2

preposition

ə-ˈdau̇n
: down
adown the long yearsG. B. Shaw

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English adoun, adoune, from Old English adūne, of dūne, from a- (from of) or of off, from + dūne, dative of dūn hill

Preposition

Middle English adoun, adoune, from adoun, adoune, adverb

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adown was before the 12th century

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near adown

Cite this Entry

“Adown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adown. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!