waybread

noun

way·​bread

ˈwāˌbred

British

: broad-leaved plantain sense 1

Word History

Etymology

Middle English weybrede, from Old English wegbrǣde; akin to Middle Dutch wegebrede broad-leaved plantain, Old High German wegabreita; all from a prehistoric West Germanic compound whose first constituent is represented by Old English weg way and whose second constituent is akin to Old English brād broad; from its broad leaves and the fact that it frequently grows by the wayside

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now