w

wacke < german Wacke < middle high german wacke (= large stone) < old high german wacko / waggo (= gravel, pebble) < (?) old high german wegan (= to move) < proto-germanic *wag- (= to move about).

wad < middle english wadde (= small bunch of fibrous, soft material for padding) < (?) 1. medieval latin wadda or 2. dutch watten or 3. middle english wadmal (= coarse woolen cloth) < old norse vaðmal < (?) vað (= cloth) + mal (= measure).

wade < old english wadan (= go forward, proceed, move) < proto-germanic *wadanan.

wafer < middle english wafer (= thin cake of paste) < anglo-french wafre / old french waufre (= honeycomb, wafer) < (?) frankish *wafel.

waffle < dutch wafel (= waffle) < middle dutch / middle low german wafel < proto-germanic *wabila- (= web, honeycomb).

waffle (= to yelp, bark) < provincial waff (= to yelp, bark like a puppy) < (?) imitative origin.

waft < middle english waft < (?) middle low german wachten (= to guard) < proto-germanic *waht-.

wag < middle english wag < (?) [scandinavian source / old english wagian (= move backwards and forwards)] < proto-germanic *wag-.

wage < middle english wage < anglo-french / old french wage (= pledge, pay, reward) < frankish *wadja- < proto-germanic *wadi-.

wagon < middle english wagon < middle dutch wag(h)en < proto-germanic *wagna- {> old norse vagn, modern english wain, german Wagen} < I.E. *wogh-no- < *wegh- (= to go, transport in a vehicle).

waif < middle english waif < anglo-french waif (= ownerless property, something lost) < proto-germanic *waif-.

wail < middle english wail < old norse væla (= to lament) < væ (= woe).

wain < old english wægn (= wheeled vehicle, wagon, cart) < proto-germanic *wagna < I.E. *wogh-no- < *wegh- (= to go, transport in a vehicle).

wainscot < middle english wainscot < (?) middle dutch / middle flemish waghenscote (= superior quality oak wood, board used for paneling) < waghen (= wagon) + scote (= partition, crossbar).

waist < middle english waist < (?) old english *wæst (= growth) < proto-germanic *wahs-tu-.

wait < middle english wait < anglo-french / old french waitier (= to watch) < frankish *wahton < proto-germanic *waht- < I.E. *weg- (= to be strong, be lively).

waive < middle english waive < anglo-french weyver (= to abandon, waive) < proto-germanic *waif-.

wake (= state of wakefulness) < old english -wacu / old norse vaka (= vigil) < I.E. *weg- (= to be strong, be lively).

wake (= track left by a moving ship) < (?) middle low german / middle dutch wake (= hole in the ice) < old norse vök / vaka (= hole in the ice) < proto-germanic *wakwo.

wale < old english walu (= ridge, bank) < proto-germanic *walu-.

walk < middle english walk < a merger of 1. old english wealcan (= to toss, roll, move round) + 2. wealcian (= to roll up, curl) (< proto-germanic *welk- {> old norse valka, danish valke, middle dutch walken, german walken}.

walkie-talkie < [1939] walk + talk.

wall < old english w(e)all (= rampart, dike, earthwork) < latin vallum (= wall, rampart, line of stakes) < vallus (= stake) < I.E. *walso- (= a post).

Wallach < german Wallache < old church slavonic Vlachu < old high german wahl (= foreigner, one speaking a foreign language).

wallet < middle english wallet (= bag, knapsack) < (?) old french *walet (= roll, knapsack) < proto-germanic *wall- (= roll).

Walloon < middle french Wallon (= foreigner) < germanic origin.

wallop < middle english wallop (= to gallop) < (?) old french *waloper < frankish *walalaupan (= to run well) < proto-germanic *hlaupan.

wallow < old english wealwian (= to roll) < west germanic *walwon.

Wally < Walter < old french Waltier < proto-germanic *waldan (= to rule).

walnut < old english walhnutu < wealh (= foreign) + hnutu (= nut).

walrus < dutch walrus [by influence of dutch walvis (= whale) + ros (= horse)] < scandinavian source [cf. old norse rosmhvalr (= walrus), rostungr (= walrus)].

Walter < old french Waltier < proto-germanic *waldan (= to rule).

waltz < german Waltzer < walzen (= to roll, dance) < old high german walzan (= to turn, roll) < proto-germanic *walt-.

wan < old english wann (= dark, dusky, pale, gray).

wand < middle english wand < old norse vondr (= rod, switch) < proto-germanic *wend- (= to turn).

wander < old english wandrian < west germanic *wundrōjanan (= to roam about).

wane < old english wanian (= diminish, decline, fade) < proto-germanic *wanonan.

wannabe < [1981] want to be.

want < middle english want < old norse vanta (= to lack, want) < *wanaton < proto-germanic *wanen.

wanton < middle english wan-towen (= willful) < middle english wan- (= wanting, lacking) < old english wan- < proto-germanic *wano- (= lacking).

wap < middle english wap (= a hit, a blow) < (?) imitative origin.

wapentake < old english wæpengetæc (= division of a riding) < old norse vapnatak < vapna, genitive plural of vapn (= weapon) + tak (= a grasping) < taka (= take, grasp).

war < old english werre / wyrre < old french werre (= war) < frankish *werra < proto-germanic *werz-a- < I.E. *wers-₍₁₎ (= to confuse, mix up).

warble < middle english warble < old french werbler (= to trill) < frankish *werbilon.

-ward < old english -weard (= toward) < proto-germanic *werda- < I.E. *werto- (= to turn) < *wer-₍₂₎ (= to turn, bend).

ward < old english weardian (= to keep guard, watch, protect) < proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard) {> old norse varða, middle dutch waerden, german warten}.

wardrobe < middle english wardrobe < old french warderobe / wardereube (= dressing-room) < warder (= to keep, guard) (< proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard)) + robe (= garment).

ware (= beware) < old english warian (= to guard against, protect, defend) < proto-germanic *waro.

ware (= goods for sale) < old english waru (= article of merchandise, protection, guard) < proto-germanic *waro.

warlock < old english wærloga (= traitor, liar, enemy) < wær (= faith, fidelity, agreement) (< proto-germanic *wera-) + source related to leogan (= to lie).

warm < old english wearm (= warm) < proto-germanic *warmaz.

warn < old english warnian < proto-germanic *waronan.

warp < old english weorpan (= to throw) < proto-germanic *werpanan.

warrant < middle english warrant < old french warant (= defender, surety) < frankish *warand < proto-germanic *war- (= to warn, guard).

warren < middle english warren < anglo-french / old french warenne (= game park, hunting reserve) < (?) gaulish *varenna (= enclosed area).

wart < old english weart < proto-germanic *warton-.

was < old english wesan / wæs / wæron, first and third person singular past tense of wesan (= to remain) < proto-germanic *wesanan < I.E. *wes-₍₃₎ (= remain, live, dwell).

wash < old english wascan (= to wash, cleanse) < proto-germanic *watskan (= to wash) < I.E. *wed-₍₁₎ (= water, wet).

wasp < old english wæps / wæsp (= wasp) < proto-germanic *wabis-.

waste < middle english waste < anglo-french / old french waster (= to waste, spoil, ruin) < latin vasto [inf. vastare] (= lay waste) < vastus (= empty).

watch < old english wæcce (= a watching, wakefulness) < wæccan (= keep watch) < proto-germanic *wakjan.

water < old english wæter < proto-germanic *watr- {> old norse vatn, dutch water, gothic wato, old high german wazzar, german Wasser} < I.E. *wod-or < *wed-₍₁₎ (= water, wet).

Waterloo < flemish Waterloo < water (= water) + loo (= sacred wood).

watt < [James] Watt, Scottish engineer [in honor for his work].

wattle < old english watol (= hurdle, twigs, tiles) < proto-germanic *wadlaz.

wave < middle english waw < old english wagian (= to move to and fro) < proto-germanic *wag-.

wax < old english weax (= substance made by bees) < proto-germanic *wahsam.

wax (= grow bigger or greater) < old english weaxan (= to increase) < proto-germanic *wahsan.

way < old english weg (= road, path, course of travel, space) < proto-germanic *wega- (= course of travel, way) < I.E. *wegh- (= to go, transport in a vehicle).

W.C. < an abbreviation of water-closet.

we < old english we < proto-germanic *wejes {> old norse ver, danish vi, dutch wij, gothic weis, german wir} < I.E. *we- {> old church slavonic ve, hittite wesh, old persian vayam, sanskrit vayam}.

weak < old english weak < old norse veikr (= weak) < proto-germanic *waika- (= yield).

weal (= well-being) < old english wela (= wealth) < west germanic *welon-.

weal (= raised mark on skin) < wale < old english walu (= ridge, bank) < proto-germanic *walu-.

weald < old english weald (= forest, woodland) < wald (= forest) < proto-germanic *walthuz.

wealth < middle english wealth < middle english wele (= well-being) < old english wela (= wealth) < west germanic *welon-.

wean < middle english wean < old english wenian (= to accustom, habituate) < proto-germanic *wanjan.

weapon < old english wæpen < proto-germanic *weipna- {> old norse vapn, danish vaaben, middle dutch wapen, german Waffe}.

wear < old english werian (= to clothe, cover up) < proto-germanic *wasin- < I.E. *wos-eyo- < *wes-₍₂₎ (= to clothe) < *eu- (= to dress).

weasel < old english weosule / wesle < proto-germanic *wisulon.

weather < old english weder (= air, sky, breeze, storm) < proto-germanic *wedra- (= wind, weather) {> old norse veðr, dutch weder, german Wetter} < I.E. *we-dhro-, (= weather) < *we- (= to blow).

weave < old english wefan < proto-germanic *weban {> old norse vefa, dutch weven, german weben} < I.E. *(h)uebh- (= to weave).

web < old english webb (= woven fabric, woven work, tapestry) < proto-germanic *wabjam (= fabric, web) < I.E. *(h)uebh- (= to weave).

webster < old english webbestre (= female weaver) < web (q.v.) + [suffix] -ster.

wed < old english weddian (= to pledge oneself, vow, marry) < proto-germanic *wadja.

wedge < old english wecg (= a wedge) < proto-germanic *wagjaz.

wedlock < old english wedlac (= pledge-giving, marriage vow) < wed (q.v.) + [suffix] -lac (= actions, proceedings, practice) [by influence of lock].

Wednesday < old english wodnesdæg (= Woden’s day) < Woden (= Odin), chief Teutonic god (< proto-germanic *Wodanaz) + dæg (< proto-germanic *dages- (= day)).

wee < middle english wee < old english wæge (= weight, unit of weight) < proto-germanic *wego < I.E. *wegh- (= to go, transport in a vehicle).

weed < old english weod (= grass, herb, weed) < proto-germanic *weud-.

week < old english wucu / wice < proto-germanic *wiko(n)-.

weel < old english wæl (= whirlpool, pool, sea).

weep < old english wepan (= shed tears, cry, complain) < proto-germanic *wopjan.

weevil < old english wifel (= small beetle) < proto-germanic *webilaz.

weigh < old english wegan (= find the weight of, measure, carry) < proto-germanic *wegan < I.E. *wegh- (= to go, transport in a vehicle).

weir < old english wer (= dam, fence, enclosure) < proto-germanic *wer-jon-.

weird < middle english weird < wierd < old english wyrd (= fate, fortune, destiny) < proto-germanic *wurthiz.

welcome < old english wilcuma (= welcome!) < wilcuma (= welcome guest) < willa (= pleasure, desire) + cuma (= guest).

welfare < middle english welfare < old english wel faran (= condition of being well) < wel (< proto-germanic *wel-) + faran (= get along) (< proto-germanic *faranan (= go)).

welkin (= sky) < old english wolcen (= cloud, sky, heavens) < proto-germanic *wulk-.

well (= in a satisfactory manner) < old english wel (= very much, indeed, to be sure) < proto-germanic *wel- {> old norse vel, dutch wel, gothic waila, german wohl} < I.E. *wel-₍₂₎ (= to wish, will).

well (= to spring, rise) < old english wiellan, causative of weallan (= to boil, bubble up, rise) < proto-germanic *wellanan (= to roll) < I.E. *wel-₍₃₎ (= to turn).

Welsh < old english Wielisc / Wylisc / Welisc / Wælisc (= foreign, British, Welsh, not free) < Wealh / Walh (= Celt, Briton, Welshman) < proto-germanic *Walkhiskaz < celtic source.

welter < middle english welter < middle dutch / middle low german welteren (= to roll) < proto-germanic *waltijan.

wench < middle english wenche (= girl, young woman) < wenchel (= child, girl, maiden) < old english wencel < proto-germanic *wankila-.

wend < old english wendan (= to turn, direct, go) < proto-germanic *wandeja-.

went < middle english went(e) < wende, wended, past tense of wend < old english wendan (= to turn, direct, go) < proto-germanic *wandeja-.

were < old english wære, second person singular past tense / wæron, plural past tense of wesan (= to remain) < proto-germanic *wesanan < I.E. *wes-₍₃₎ (= remain, live, dwell).

werewolf < old english werewulf < wer (= man) (< I.E. *wi-ro- (= man)) + wulf (= wolf) (< proto-germanic *wulfaz).

west < old english west < proto-germanic *west- {> old norse vestr, dutch west, german west} < (?) I.E. *wes- < *wes-pero- (= evening, night) {> latin vesper, ancient greek ‘έσπερος | ^hesperos].

wet < old english wæt (= moist, liquid) < proto-germanic *wed- < I.E. *wed-₍₁₎ (= water, wet).

wether < old english weðer (= ram) < proto-germanic *wethruz.

whale < old english hwæl (= whale, walrus) < proto-germanic *hwalaz.

wharf < old english hwearf (= shore, dam) < proto-germanic *hwarfaz.

what < old english hwæt < proto-germanic pronoun *hwat {> old norse hvat, danish hvad, dutch wat, german was} < I.E. *kwod, neuter of *kwos (= who) < I.E. *kwo-.

wheat < old english hwæte < proto-germanic *hwaitjaz.

wheel < old english hweol / hweogol < proto-germanic *hwewlaz.

whelp < old english hwelp (= whelp, young of the dog) < germanic source.

when < old english hwænne / hwenne / hwonne < proto-germanic *hwan- < *hwa- < I.E. *kwo-.

where < old english hwær / hwar < proto-germanic *hwar < I.E. *kwo-.

whet < old english hwettan (= to sharpen) < proto-germanic *hwatjan.

whether < old english hwæðer / hweðer (= which of two) < proto-germanic *gihwatharaz < *khwa- (= who) < I.E. *kwo- + [comparative suffix] *-theraz.

whey < old english hwæg (= whey) < proto-germanic *hwaja-.

which < old english hwilc / hwælc < hwi-lic (= of what form) < proto-germanic *hwa-lik- < *hwi- (= who) (< I.E. *kwo-) + *likan (= body, form).

while < old english hwile, accusative of hwil (= space of time) < proto-germanic *hwilo.

whine < old english hwinan / hwinsian (= to whine) < imitative origin.

whip < middle english wippen (= flap violently) < proto-germanic *wipjan.

whir < middle english whir (= fling, hurl) < (?) old norse hvirfla < hverfa (= to turn).

whirl < middle english whirl < old norse hvirfla (= go round, spin).

whisk < middle english whisk (= sweeping movement) < (?) old norse visk (= wisp of hay) < proto-germanic *wisk- (= move quickly).

whiskey < gaelic uisge beatha (= “water of life”) < old irish uisce (= water) + bethu (= life).

whisper < old english hwisprian (= murmur) < proto-germanic *hwis-.

whistle < old english hwistlian (= to whistle) < proto-germanic *hwis-.

whit < middle english na whit (= no amount) < old english nan wiht < nan (= no) + wiht (= person, amount).

white < old english hwit (= bright, clear, fair) < proto-germanic *hweit- {> old norse hvitr, dutch wit, gothic hveits, german weiß} < I.E. *kweid-o < *kweit- (= white, to shine).

whither < old english hwider < proto-germanic *hwithre- < *hwi- (= who) (< I.E. *kwo-) + [suffix] thre-.

whitlow < middle english whitlow < whitflaw < (?) dutch vijt / low german fit (= abscess) + flaw (< old norse flaga).

Whitsunday < old english Hwita Sunnandæg (= white Sunday) [(?) so called from the white baptismal robes of newly baptized on this day] < hwit (= bright, clear, fair) + sunna(n)dæg (= day of the sun) (< sunnan (< sunne (= sun)) + dæg (= day)).

whittle < middle english whittel (= knife) < thwittle (= knife) < old english þwitan (= to cut) < proto-germanic *thwit-.

who < old english hwa < proto-germanic *hwas < I.E. *kwo-.

whole < old english hal (= entire, uninjured, safe, healthy) < proto-germanic *haila- (= undamaged) < I.E. *kailo- (= whole, uninjured).

whoop < middle english houpen < old french h(o)uper (= cry out, shout) < imitative origin.

whore < middle english hore < old english hore (= prostitute) < proto-germanic *horan-.

whorl < middle english whorl < (?) middle english whirl < old norse hvirfla (= go round, spin).

why < old english hwi < hwæt < proto-germanic *hwi < I.E. *kwi-, locative of *kwo-.

wi-fi < [1999] wireless (< wire + -less) + (?) hi-fi (< high-fidelity).

wick < wueke < old english weoce (= wick of a lamp or candle) < west germanic *weukon.

wicked < middle english wicked < wick (= bad, wicked, false) < old english wicca (= wizard) < wiccian (= to practice witchcraft).

wicker < middle english wicker (= wickerwork) < proto-germanic *wik-.

wicket < middle english wicket < anglo-french wiket / old french wiket (= small door, wicket gate) < (?) proto-germanic *wik-.

wide < old english wid (= broad, long) < proto-germanic *widaz.

widget < [1920] american english widget < (?) gadget < (?) french gâchette (= catch-piece of a mechanism), a diminutive of gâche (= staple of a lock).

widow < old english widewe / wuduwe < proto-germanic *widuwo < I.E. *widhewo.

wield < old english w(i)eldan / wealdan (= tame, subdue) < proto-germanic *waldan (= to rule).

wife < middle english wif / wyf < old english wif (= woman, lady, wife) < proto-germanic *wifa- {> old norse vif, swedish viv, danish viv, dutch wijf, german Weib}.

wiggle < middle english wiggle < (?) middle dutch / middle low german wigelen < wiegen (= to rock, wag) < wiege (= cradle) < proto-germanic *wig-.

wight < old english wiht (= creature, person, something) < proto-germanic *wihti-.

wigwam < algonquian wikewam (= a dwelling).

wiki < [2002] WikiWikiWeb [1995] < hawaiian wikiwiki (= fast, swift) + web.

wild < old english wilde (= uncultivated, untamed, undomesticated) < proto-germanic *wildia- {> old norse villr, dutch wild, gothic wilþeis, german wild} < (?) I.E. *welt- (= woodlands, wild).

Wilhelm < german Wilhelm < old high german Willahelm < willio (= will) (< proto-germanic *willjan) + helma (= helmet) (< proto-germanic *helmaz (= protective covering)).

will < old english *willan / wyllan (= to wish, desire) < proto-germanic *willjan {> old norse vilja, dutch willen, german wollen}.

William < old french Willaume < Guillaume < old high german willio (= will) (< proto-germanic *willjan) + helma (= helmet) (< proto-germanic *helmaz (= protective covering)).

willies < (?) [dialectal] woollies (= nervous uneasiness).

willow < old english welig < proto-germanic *wel-.

wilt < (?) welk (= to wilt) < (?) middle dutch / middle low german welken (= to wither) < proto-germanic *welk-.

wimple < old english wimpel < proto-germanic *wimpilaz.

win < middle english win < a fusion of [old english winnan (= to labor, struggle for, strive, fight) + old english gewinnan (= to gain by struggling, conquer, obtain)] < proto-germanic *wennanan (= to seek to gain) < I.E. *wen-₍₁₎ (= to desire, strive for).

wince < middle english wincen / winchen (= to recoil suddenly) < anglo-french *wenchir / old french *wenchier (= to turn aside, avoid) < frankish *wenkjan < proto-germanic *wankjan.

winch < middle english winch < old english wince (= winch, pulley) < proto-germanic *winkja- < I.E. *weng- (= to bend, curve).

wind < old english wind < proto-germanic *winda- {> old norse vindr, dutch wind, gothic winds, german Wind} < I.E. *we-nt-o  < *we- (= to blow).

window < middle english window [meaning “wind-eye”, an unglazed hole in the roof] < old norse vindauga < vindr (= wind) (< proto-germanic *winda-) + auga (= eye) (< I.E. *okw- (= to see)).

wine < old english win (= wine) < proto-germanic *winam {> old norse vin, dutch wijn, old high german win, german Wein} < latin vinum (= wine) < I.E. *uoin-a- (= wine) {> ancient greek οίνος | oenos, albanian vênë}.

Winfred < old english Winfrið (= friend of peace) < wine (= friend) (< proto-germanic *wennanan (= to seek to gain)) + friðu (= peace) (< I.E. *pri- (= to love)).

wing < middle english wenge < old norse vængr (= wing) < (?) proto-germanic *we-ingjaz < I.E. *we- (= blow).

wink < old english wincian (= to blink) < proto-germanic *wink-.

winsome < old english wynsum (= agreeable, pleasant) < wynn (= pleasure, delight) (< proto-germanic *wunjo-) + old english -sum (= tending to, causing) (< I.E. *sem-₍₁₎ (= one, together with).

winter < old english winter < proto-germanic *wintruz (= winter) {> old norse vetr, swedish vinter, danish vinter, dutch winter, gothic wintrus, german winter} < I.E. *wend- < *wed-₍₁₎ (= water, wet).

wipe < old english wipian (= to wipe, cleanse) < proto-germanic *wipjan (= to move back and forth).

wire < old english wir < proto-germanic *wira- < I.E. *wei- (= to turn, twist).

wise < old english wis (= learned, prudent, experienced) < proto-germanic *wissaz < I.E. *weid- (= to see).

wish < old english wyscan (= to wish) < proto-germanic *wunsk-.

wit < old english wit(t) / gewit (= intellect, sense, knowledge, consciousness) < proto-germanic *wit- < I.E. *weid- (= to see).

witch < old english wicce, female of wicca (= sorcerer, wizard) < wiccian (= to practice witchcraft).

with < old english wið (= against, toward, near) < proto-germanic *withro- (= against).

withdraw < middle english withdraw (= to take back) < with (= away) + drawen (= to draw).

wither < middle english wydderen (= dry up, shrivel) < wederen (= to expose to weather) < weder (= air, sky, breeze, storm) < proto-germanic *wedra- (= wind, weather).

wizard < middle english wizard < middle english wys (= wise) (< old english wis (= learned, prudent, experienced) < proto-germanic *wissaz < I.E. *weid- (= to see)) + [suffix] -ard.

wizen < old english wisnian / weosnian (= to wither, dry up) < proto-germanic *wisnon.

woad < old english wad < proto-germanic *waidin.

wobble < wabble < (?) low german wabbeln (= to wobble) < proto-germanic *wab- (= to move back and forth).

wold < old english w(e)ald (= forest) < proto-germanic *walthuz.

wolf < old english wulf < proto-germanic *wulfaz {> old norse ulfr, dutch wolf, gothic wulfs, german wolf} < I.E. *wlkwo- (= wolf) {> albanian ul’k, old church slavonic vluku, russian volcica, lithuanian vilkas, old persian Varkana-, avestan vehrka-, sanskrit vrkas, (?) latin lupus, (?) ancient greek λύκος | lykos).

woman < old english wim(m)an < wifman (= woman) < wif (= woman, lady, wife) (< proto-germanic *wifa-) + man (= human being).

womb < old english wamb / womb (= belly, bowels, heart, uterus) < proto-germanic *wambo {> old norse vomb, dutch wam, gothic wamba, german Wamme}.

wonder < old english wundor (= marvelous thing, miracle) < proto-germanic *wundran {> old norse undr, dutch wonder, german wunder}.

wont < middle english wont < old english wunod, past participle of wunian (= to dwell, exist, be accustomed) < proto-germanic *wunen (= to be content, to rejoice).

wood < old english wudu < widu (= tree, forest, wood [as substance of tree]) < proto-germanic *widu- {> old norse viðr, Swedish ved, danish ved, old high german witu} < I.E. *widhu- (= tree, wood).

woof (= texture, fabric) < old english owef < o- (= on) + wefan (= to weave).

woofer (= loudspeaker for bass notes) < [1935] imitative origin.

wool < old english wull < proto-germanic *wulno {> old norse ull, dutch wol, gothic wulla, german wolle} < I.E. *wele-₍₁₎ (= wool) {> latin vellus, lana, ancient greek ληνός | lēnos, avestan varena, sanskrit urna}.

word < old english word (= speech, sentence, statement, news, word) < proto-germanic *wurda- {> old norse orð, dutch woord, gothic waurd, german wort) < I.E. *were-₍₃₎ (= speak).

work < old english w(e)orc (= action, proceeding, business) < proto-germanic *werka- (= work) {> old norse verk, dutch werk, german Werk) < I.E. *werg-o- < *werg- (= to do).

world < old english worold / woruld (= human existence, mankind, humanity) < proto-germanic *weraldi- {> old norse verold, dutch wereld, german Welt} < *wer (= man) + *ald (= age).

worm < old english wurm < wyrm (= serpent, snake, earthworm) < proto-germanic *wurmiz {> old norse ormr, dutch worm, gothic waurms, german wurm} < I.E. *wrmi- (= worm) {> latin vermis, old russian vermie, lithuanian varmas} < *wer-₍₂₎ (= to turn, bend).

worry < middle english wirien (= to slay) < old english wyrgan (= to strangle) < proto-germanic *wurgjan.

worse < old english wiersa / wyrsa < proto-germanic *wers-izon- < comparative of I.E. *wers-₍₁₎ (= to confuse, mix up).

worship < old english worðscip / weorðscipe / wurðscip (= dignity, glory, honor) < weorð (= worthy) + -scipe (= state, condition of being).

worst < old english wyrresta < proto-germanic *wers-ista- < superlative of I.E. *wers-₍₁₎ (= to confuse, mix up).

worsted < middle english worsted < Worstead (< old english Wurðestede), town in England [where this cloth originally was made].

wort < old english wyrt (= root, herb, plant) < proto-germanic *wurtiz.

-worth < old english worþ (= enclosed place, homestead).

worth < old english weorþ (= significant, valuable, honorable) < proto-germanic *wertha- (= toward, opposite).

wound < old english wund (= hurt, injury) < proto-germanic *wuntho.

wrack < middle english wrack (= wrecked ship) < (?) middle dutch wrak (= wreck) < proto-germanic *wrakaz- < *wreg- (= to push, drive).

wrangle < middle english wrangle < low german wrangeln (= to dispute, to wrestle) < proto-germanic *wrang- < *wrengh- < *wergh- (= to turn).

wrap < middle english wrappen (= to wind, cover, bind up, fold up).

wrath < old english wræððu (= anger) < wrað (= angry) (< proto-germanic *wraith-) + -þu (< proto-germanic -itho).

wreak < old english wrecan (= to drive out, avenge) < proto-germanic *wrekanan.

wreath < old english wriða (= fillet, bandage, band) < proto-germanic *writh-.

wreck < middle english wreck < anglo-french wrec < proto-germanic *wrekan.

wrench < old english wrencan (= to twist) < proto-germanic *wrankjan.

wrest < old english wræstan (= to twist, wrench) < proto-germanic *wraistjan < *wreik- (= to turn).

wretch < old english wrecca (= wretch, stranger) < proto-germanic *wrakjon (= pursuer).

wriggle < middle english wriggle < middle low german wrigglen (= to wriggle) < proto-germanic *wrig- < *wreik- (= to turn).

-wright < old english wrihta / wryhta (= worker) < wyhrta (= maker) < wyrcan (= to work).

wring < old english wringan (= press, strain, twist) < proto-germanic *wreng- < *wrengh- < *wergh- (= to turn).

wrinkle < middle english wrinkle < (?) old english gewrinclod, past participle of gewrinclian (= to wind, crease) < [prefix] ge- + -wrinclian (= to wind) (< proto-germanic *wrankjan < *werg- (= to turn)).

writ < old english writ (= something written) < writan (= to score, outline) < proto-germanic *writan (= tear, scratch)

write < old english writan (= to score, outline) < proto-germanic *writan (= tear, scratch) {> old norse rita, old high german rizan, german reißen}.

writhe < old english wriðan (= to twist, bend) < proto-germanic *writhanan.

wrong < old english wrong (= twisted, crooked) < old norse rangr < *vrangr (= crooked, wry, wrong) < proto-germanic *wrang-.

wroth < old english wrað (= angry) < proto-germanic *wraith-.

wry < wry (= to contort, to twist) < old english wrigian (= to turn, bend, move) < proto-germanic *wrig-.

wurst < german Wurst < old high german wurst (= sausage) < proto-germanic *wursti- (= to mix up).

www < [1990] world-wide web.