English

verb

Englished; Englishing; Englishes

transitive verb

1
: to translate into English
2
: to adopt into English : anglicize

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of English was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/English. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

English

1 of 2 adjective
En·​glish ˈiŋ-glish How to pronounce English (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language

English

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control
b
: English language, literature, or writing technique that is a subject of study
2
English plural : the people of England
3
: a sideways spin given to a ball when it is struck or bowled
Etymology

Old English englisc "English," from Engle "the Angles (Germanic people who invaded England in the 5th century along with the Saxons and with them formed the Anglo-Saxon peoples)"

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