Wordorigins.org is devoted to the origins of words and phrases, or as a linguist would put it, to etymology. Etymology is the study of word origins. (It is not the study of insects; that is entomology.) Where words come from is a fascinating subject, full of folklore and historical lessons. Often, p

Definitions and history of English words and phrases. Topical terms that do not yet have dictionary entries are covered, along with a section of 'weird words', and answers to users' questions about word history and usage. Articles on various aspects of language are available, along with book reviews

Take Our Word For It has been on the internet for 18 years! It started as a Q&A site regarding etymology, and it grew into a weekly, then monthly (then never) webzine. After a long hiatus, it's back.

Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable comprises over 18,000 entries that reveal the etymologies, trace the origins and otherwise catalog “words with a tale to tell.”

A free, fully searchable dictionary creating etymologies in alphabetical order, divided into smaller sections for manageable viewing. Contains a list of abbreviations to aid browsing of etymologies and links to other etymological resources.