withy

noun

\ˈwi-t͟hē

\

plural withies

Definition of withy

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : willow especially : osier sense 1

2 : a flexible slender twig or branch (as of osier) : withe

withy

adjective

\ˈwi-thē,

ˈwi-t͟hē,

ˈwī-t͟hē

\

Definition of withy (Entry 2 of 2)

: flexibly tough

The Origin of Withy

Noun

Withy is a word with several synonyms. In its broadest use, it is simply another word for "willow," but it can also be used for a particular category of willows which are also known by the name osier. Additionally, the word withe can be substituted for the "flexible slender twig or branch" sense of withy. Osier entered English from medieval French, whereas willow, withy, and withe all have their origins in Old English. Willow comes from welig; withy comes from wīthig; and withe comes from withthe, a word indirectly related to wīthig.

History and Etymology for withy

Noun

Middle English, from Old English wīthig; akin to Old High German wīda willow, Latin vitis vine, viēre to plait — more at wire

Adjective

withe

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about withy

Listen to Our Podcast about withy

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries near withy

with the result that

Statistics for withy

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for withy

The first known use of withy was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

WORD OF THE DAY

susurrous

full of whispering sounds

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

Which is a synonym of discomfit?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games