Word of the Day

: April 8, 2009

withy

noun WITH-ee (the TH is as in "the")

What It Means

1 : willow; especially : any of various willows whose pliable twigs are used for furniture and basketry

2 : a flexible slender twig or branch

withy in Context

The withies must be soaked in water for about a week before they will be ready to be woven into baskets.

Did You Know?

"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 Anglo-French in the 14th century, whereas "willow," "withy," and "withe" all have their origins in Old English. "Willow" comes from the Old English "welig," a word that can be found in writing going back to the middle of the 8th century, and "withy" and "withe" come from "wīthig," a word that is known to have been used at least as far back as the 10th century.