dangle etymology

Etymology

The word "dangle" comes from the Middle English word "dangel," which in turn is derived from the Old French word "danglier," meaning "to hang loosely." The origin of the Old French word is uncertain, but it may be related to the Germanic word "dangen," meaning "to hang."

Meaning

The primary meaning of "dangle" is to hang loosely or to sway back and forth. It can also be used to refer to something that is attached to something else and hangs down. For example, we might say that a pair of earrings dangles from the ears.

Origin

The word "dangle" first appeared in English in the early 14th century. It was originally used to describe the way that a bell or a piece of jewelry hung. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include anything that hangs loosely.

Examples

• The child's toy dangled from the ceiling fan.
• The dog's tongue dangled from its mouth as it panted.
• The woman's earrings dangled from her ears.
• The man's keys dangled from his belt loop.
• The leaves of the tree dangled in the wind.

dangle relate terms

• dingleberry

  Etymology The word dingleberry is derived from the Old English word dingle which m

• dangle

  Etymology The word dangle comes from the Middle English word dangel which in turn is

• berry

  Etymology The word berry comes from the Old English berie or beri which in turn d

• dongle

  Etymology The word dongle is derived from the Portuguese word dongo which means a

• dangle

  Etymology The word dangle comes from the Middle English word dangel which in turn is

• dong

  Etymology of Dong Dong is a word with multiple origins and meanings 1 Chinese Origin

• swing

  Etymology The word swing has its origins in the Old Norse word svifta which means

• drop

  Etymology From Middle English droppe from Old English dropa ddropa drop small porti

• lollipop

  Etymology The word lollipop is derived from the term lolly a regional British term

• left

  Etymology The word left comes from the Old English word lyft meaning weak or wo

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• loll

  Etymology Loll is derived from the Middle English word lollen which means to loung

• prod

  Etymology Latin prodere meaning to betray to expose Old French proder prower me

• suspend

  Etymology The word suspend comes from the Latin word suspendere which means to hang

• hang

• counterfeit

  Etymology The word counterfeit comes from the Middle English word countrefete which