withy

[ with-ee, with-ee ]

noun

, plural with·ies.

1. a willow.
2. a pliable branch or twig, especially a withe.
3. a band, loop, halter, or rope of slender twigs; widdy.

adjective

, with·i·er, with·i·est.

1. made of pliable branches or twigs, especially of withes.
2. flexible; pliable.

withy

/ ˈwɪðɪ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of withe withe
2. a willow tree, esp an osier

adjective

1. (of people) tough and agile
2. rare.
   resembling a withe in strength or flexibility

Word History and Origins

Origin of withy¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English wīthig; akin to withe, Old Norse vīthir, Old High German wīda, Greek ītéa willow, Latin vītis vine

Word History and Origins

Origin of withy¹

Old English wīdig ( e ); related to Old Norse vīthir, Old High German wīda, Latin vītis vine, Sanskrit vītika fetter. See withe , wire

Example Sentences

The sculptures were woven from willow withies at Martin’s workshop in Devon, where he created the work in sections.

From BBC

The HCA estimates the number of professional withy pot-makers is now in single figures and those who remain use it as a sideline to their main income.

From BBC

The appearance package is available on Limited models withy both gas and diesel engines and features an entirely black exterior including the bumpers and light bezels.

From Fox News

England took no risks in their own half and tested Wales withy a variety of kicks.

From The Guardian

The basic structure of a wattle fence is a line of posts stuck in the ground and thinner, more flexible lengths — known as withies — woven in and out to form a wooden fabric of sorts.

From Washington Post