timothy

1 of 2

noun (1)

tim·​o·​thy ˈti-mə-thē How to pronounce timothy (audio)
: a European perennial grass (Phleum pratense) that has long cylindrical spikes and is widely grown for hay in the U.S.

Timothy

2 of 2

noun (2)

Tim·​o·​thy ˈti-mə-thē How to pronounce Timothy (audio)
1
: a disciple of the apostle Paul
2
: either of two letters written with regard to pastoral care in the early church and included as books in the New Testament see Bible Table

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably after Timothy Hanson, 18th century American farmer said to have introduced it from New England to the southern states

Noun (2)

Latin Timotheus, from Greek Timotheos

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1747, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of timothy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near timothy

Cite this Entry

“Timothy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timothy. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

timothy

1 of 2 noun
tim·​o·​thy ˈtim-ə-thē How to pronounce timothy (audio)
: a European grass that has long cylinder-shaped spikes and is widely grown in the U.S. for hay

Timothy

2 of 2 noun
Tim·​o·​thy ˈtim-ə-thē How to pronounce Timothy (audio)
: either of two letters written with regard to pastoral care in the early church and included as books in the New Testament see bible

More from Merriam-Webster on timothy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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