etymologist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The word came into English as “empechen” by way of the Old French word empechier, meaning to prevent or to hinder, according to the British etymologist Michael Quinion.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 18, 2019

Others, such as etymologist and author Michael Quinion, have found references dating back to 1903.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 31, 2015

“I make it sound very scholarly,” says Merriam etymologist Jim Rader, a onetime Slavic linguistics graduate student who writes the historical notes.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2015

I’m no etymologist; I don’t know when that exclamation point became a question mark and was wrapped in sarcasm.

From New York Times • Oct. 1, 2012

Patrick is not now, eo nomine, a 'patrician;' Bridget is not necessarily 'strong' or 'bright;' and in the name of Mary, hallowed by its associations, only the etymologist can detect the primitive 'bitterness.'

From The Composition of Indian Geographical Names Illustrated from the Algonkin Languages by Trumbull, J. Hammond (James Hammond)