Etymology
123 entries found.

news (v.)

"to tell as news, report, rumor," 1640s, from news (n.). Related: Newsed; newsing.

news (n.)

late 14c., "new things," plural of new (n.) "new thing" (see new (adj.)); after French nouvelles, which was used in Bible translations to render Medieval Latin nova (neuter plural) "news," literally "new things." The English word was construed as singular at least from the 1560s, but it sometimes still was regarded as plural 17c.-19c. The odd and doubtful construction probably accounts for the  absurd folk-etymology (attested by 1640 but originally, and in 18c. usually, in jest-books) that claims it to be an abbreviation of north east south west, as though "information from all quarters of the compass." Meaning "tidings, intelligence of something that has lately taken place" is from early 15c. Meaning "radio or television program presenting current events" is from 1923. Bad news in the extended sense of "unpleasant person or situation" is from 1926. Expression no news, good news can be traced to 1640s. Expression news to me "something I did not know" is from 1889. News-agent "person who deals in newspapers" is from 1817. News-hound "reporter" is by 1908. The newspaper office news desk is by 1840. News-monger "one who employs much time in hearing and telling news" is from 1590s. The News in the Virginia city Newport News is said to derive from the name of one of its founders, William Newce.

news-stand (n.)

also newsstand, "a place at which newspaper, periodicals, etc., are sold," by 1865, from news (n.) + stand (n.).

newsreel (n.)

"short movie dealing with news and current events," 1916, from news (n.) + reel (n.).

newsprint (n.)

"cheap paper from pulp, used to print newspapers," 1903, from news (n.) + print.

newscast (n.)

"a broadcast of news on radio or (later) television or the internet," 1930, from news + -cast, from broadcast.

newsy (adj.)

"full of news, gossipy," 1832 from news (n.) + -y (2). Related: Newsily; newsiness.

newsletter (n.)

also news-letter, "report containing news intended for general circulation," 1670s, from news (n.) + letter (n.). It fell from use until it was revived 20c.

newsboy (n.)

also news-boy, "boy who hawks newspapers on the street or delivers them to houses," 1764, from news (n.) + boy.

newsworthy (adj.)

"of interest to the general public," 1932, from news (n.) + worthy (adj.). Related: Newsworthiness.
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