Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “skunk” come from?

Skunkweed is a compound of English skunk and English weed, with skunk ultimately derived from Algonquian languages.

skunk (English): Any of various small mammals, of the family...

Definitions

  1. Any of various small mammals, of the family...

Ancestry of “skunk”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Abenakisegôgwskunk
2Proto-Algonquianšeka·kwaskunk
3Proto-Algonquianšek-to urinate

Words derived from “skunk”

  • skunks
  • skunky
  • skunkbush
  • skunkweed
  • skunklike
  • skunkish
  • skunk cabbage
  • skunkless
  • skunkbird
  • скунс
  • スカンク
  • 스컹크
  • สกังก์
Every word from Proto-Algonquian šek- →