windows
ˈwɪn.doʊz
noun
Origin
Old Norse
vindauga — wind eye
Overview
Meaning Now
- Openings in a wall or roof, usually fitted with glass, to allow the passage of light, air, or sound.
- Rectangular graphical areas on a computer display that allow for the viewing and manipulation of programs.
Literal older meaning
wind eye
Language path
Old Norse → Middle English → English
Earliest form
vindauga
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The word replaced the Old English term 'eagþyrl' (literally 'eye-hole') after the Norse influence in Britain. The 'wind-eye' concept emphasizes the function of the hole as an opening to the elements.
Evolution
- Old Norse
vindauga
“wind eye”
Compound of 'vindr' (wind) and 'auga' (eye).
- Middle English
windowe
“opening in a wall”
Adopted into Middle English following the Danelaw influence.
- Modern English
windows
“openings or graphical interfaces”
Pluralized and later extended to metaphorical and technological usage.
Connections
Word parts
window
root
opening for light/air
s
ending
plural marker
Related across languages
Old Swedish
vindöga
wind eye
Danish
vindue
window
Related words
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Related to windows
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.