Best Online Etymology Apps

177+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.0 avg rating
12 free apps
Updated June 2026

Whether you're new to online etymology or looking for an upgrade, our curated collection of 177+ iOS apps has something for everyone. Each app is reviewed and rated by real users, helping you make an informed decision.

Top Picks for Online Etymology

Etymonline English Dictionary#1

Etymonline English Dictionary by ε΄‡δΌŸ 柳

Dictionary to Build Vocabulary
Editor's Choice
πŸ“š Education
4.9😊(11K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 1
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 2
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 3
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 4
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 5
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 6

A comprehensive English dictionary app offering word origins and vocabulary building tools. Features include instant search with spelling suggestions, offline dictionary access, related words, and premium ad-free and offline functionality. Explore word roots and enhance your vocabulary effortlessly.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Excellent app
  • πŸ‘ Comprehensive and well-researched
  • πŸ‘ Useful for understanding word origins
  • πŸ‘ Informative and insightful

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› App version has incomplete entries
  • πŸ”’ Privacy concerns with data collection
  • πŸ’° Subscription fees too high
Merriam-Webster Dictionary#2

Merriam-Webster Dictionary by Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Strong Contender
πŸ” Reference
4.8😊(320K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#38in Reference
Merriam-Webster Dictionary screenshot 1
Merriam-Webster Dictionary screenshot 2
Merriam-Webster Dictionary screenshot 3
Merriam-Webster Dictionary screenshot 4

Access a premier iOS app for English language reference, education, and vocabulary building, with new word games and quizzes for learning. Features universal access, offline capabilities, voice search, daily word learning, thesaurus, example sentences, and pronunciations by real speakers. Enjoy features like favorite word syncing and Apple Watch integration. Subscribe to remove ads and access extra resources. Manage your subscription easily. Terms of Use: [Link to Terms of Use].

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Easy to use
  • πŸ‘ Comprehensive definitions
  • πŸ‘ Helpful thesaurus
  • πŸš€ Offline access

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Ads can be intrusive
  • πŸ› Difficulty closing ads
  • πŸ› Repetitive game questions
EtymologyExplorer#3

EtymologyExplorer by Might Could Studios LLC

Explore words and their roots!
Worth Considering
πŸ“š Education
4.8😊(1.3K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
EtymologyExplorer screenshot 1
EtymologyExplorer screenshot 2
EtymologyExplorer screenshot 3
EtymologyExplorer screenshot 4

Explore words and their roots with this word origin app! Features include a visual map of word origins, connections between related words, etymology in full written form, and more. Discover the fascinating relationships between words - download now!

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Intuitive and user-friendly
  • πŸ” Comprehensive and detailed etymology information
  • 🌟 Visually appealing and well-designed
  • πŸ“š Helpful for language learning and vocabulary building

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Occasional bugs and crashes
  • πŸ” Limited database of words
  • πŸ’° Subscription model may be costly for some users

More Online Etymology apps to explore

4
Dictionary.
Dictionary.
Dictionary.
by TheFreeDictionary.com
Free

Discover a comprehensive Dictionary and Thesaurus app with a Word of the Day feature, offline access, and resources from top sources. Access millions of definitions, synonyms, translations, and more for a versatile language tool.

πŸ” Reference
(14K)
5
WordWeb Dictionary
WordWeb Dictionary
WordWeb Dictionary
Offline ad-free dictionary
Free

Discover a comprehensive offline dictionary and thesaurus with fast search, spelling suggestions, definitions, synonyms, and more. Enjoy ad-free browsing, usage examples, and unique search features without the need for an internet connection. Explore WordWeb Dictionary for a seamless word lookup experience.

πŸ” Reference
(85)
6
FreeSaurus - The Free Thesaurus!
FreeSaurus - The Free Thesaurus!
FreeSaurus - The Free Thesaurus!
by Weeswares Pte Ltd
Free

Find synonyms and related words easily with a simple and focused thesaurus application. Get quick word meanings and expand your vocabulary effortlessly.

πŸ” Reference
(120)
7
Etymology Dictionary
Etymology Dictionary
Etymology Dictionary
The way how a word comes
$14.99
πŸ“š Education
(0)
8
What does MY NAME MEAN?
What does MY NAME MEAN?
What does MY NAME MEAN?
by Indigo Penguin Limited
Free

Discover the meaning and origin of your name with over 1000 names listed in this fun app! Share your name in the comments to see it added to the list!

🎬 Entertainment
(120)
9
Dictionary and Thesaurus Pro
Dictionary and Thesaurus Pro
Dictionary and Thesaurus Pro
by TheFreeDictionary.com
$9.99

Access the premium ad-free Dictionary and Thesaurus Pro app by TheFreeDictionary.com for comprehensive offline dictionary and thesaurus content in multiple languages, including offline translations.

πŸ” Reference
(2.5K)
10
German Etymology Dictionary
German Etymology Dictionary
German Etymology Dictionary
etymological dictionary
$2.99

This comprehensive etymological dictionary provides detailed information on over 40,000 German words, including etymology, pronunciation, and meaning, making it an essential tool for English speakers learning German. With features like customizable word lists, prefix and suffix lists, and daily learning capabilities, users can efficiently expand their vocabulary and understanding of the German language.

πŸ” Reference
(3)
11
Greek etymology and origins
Greek etymology and origins
Greek etymology and origins
etymological dictionary
$1.99

This comprehensive etymological dictionary provides detailed information on Greek words, including their origins, meanings, and pronunciation, making it an invaluable resource for students and teachers. Explore Greek etymology, prefixes, and suffixes, and utilize features like search, bookmark, and translation to enhance your learning experience.

πŸ” Reference
(2)
12
Kurdish Dictionary - Dict Box
Kurdish Dictionary - Dict Box
Kurdish Dictionary - Dict Box
English Kurdish Translation
Free

A highly efficient English to Kurdish dictionary app with a vast vocabulary. Ideal for users seeking quick translations without any hassle. Download now for instant access to comprehensive language support.

πŸ” Reference
(14K)
13
English etymology and origins
English etymology and origins
English etymology and origins
Learn with AI Assistant
$3.99

This comprehensive dictionary of English etymology offers over 65,600 entries, covering common words to slang and foreign loanwords, providing detailed information on word origins, meanings, and pronunciation. Explore the development of the English language with a powerful search feature, custom word lists, and an AI assistant to enhance your learning experience.

πŸ” Reference
(2)
14
Advanced Dictionary&Thesaurus
Advanced Dictionary&Thesaurus
Advanced Dictionary&Thesaurus
English dictionary with Audio
Free

An innovative language tool designed to enhance vocabulary skills through interactive word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences. Expand your linguistic knowledge effortlessly!

πŸ” Reference
(4.3K)
15
Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus
Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus
Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus
Thesaurus & Offline Vocabulary
Free

Access one of the highest authorities in language reference with the power of 15 major Oxford dictionaries at your fingertips. Explore advanced search and learning tools for a comprehensive linguistic experience.

πŸ” Reference
(28K)
16
Dictionary Linguee
Dictionary Linguee
Dictionary Linguee
German, French, Spanish, more
Free

Discover a revolutionary dictionary app offering fast and reliable translations in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and German. Access over one billion translations, editorial dictionaries, offline mode, example sentences, and pronunciation guides for seamless language learning. Try it now for quick and accurate translations on the go.

πŸ” Reference
(11K)
17
Word of the Day・Vocabulary
Word of the Day・Vocabulary
Word of the Day・Vocabulary
Vocab Builder & Word Games
Free

Elevate your vocabulary with a daily word companion app designed to enhance your word power effortlessly. From academic to obscure words, this app tailored by linguists recommends personalized words, aids in self-improvement, and offers a vast collection of beautifully narrated word stories daily. Join now and start your journey towards mastering the art of words.

πŸ“š Education
(38K)
18
Greek Etymology Dictionary
Greek Etymology Dictionary
Greek Etymology Dictionary
by Trang Hoai
$1.99

This comprehensive dictionary covers 2000 years of Ancient Greek, featuring 7500 entries with detailed etymologies, variants, and references, making it an essential tool for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Greek vocabulary and its history. With easy navigation, bookmarking, and learning features, users can explore and engage with the language, and even provide feedback to help shape the dictionary's future development.

πŸ” Reference
(1)
19
Old English Etymology
Old English Etymology
Old English Etymology
the origin of Old English
$2.99

This app provides a comprehensive dictionary of Old English etymology, helping users explore the origins and meanings of Old English terms, names, and linguistic components. With over 5,699 entries, categorized and searchable, it's an invaluable resource for linguistic experts and anyone interested in Old English, allowing them to discover detailed etymology, pronunciation, and related terms.

πŸ” Reference
(2)
20
Gaelic etymology dictionary
Gaelic etymology dictionary
Gaelic etymology dictionary
the origins of Gaelic words
$0.99

This comprehensive dictionary provides an offline resource for exploring the origins of Gaelic words, making it an essential tool for students and linguists. With features like customizable lists, easy navigation, and flashcards, users can dive deeper into the language and start learning today.

πŸ” Reference
(0)