Etymology
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Guernsey

Channel Island, the name is Viking. The second element of the name is Old Norse ey "island" (compare Jersey); the first element uncertain, traditionally meaning "green," but perhaps rather representing a Viking personal name, such as Grani.

Like neighboring Jersey, its name also was taken as the word for a coarse, close-fitting vest of wool (1839), worn originally by seamen, and in Australia the word supplies many of the usages of jersey in U.S. As a type of cattle bred there, from 1784.

Entries linking to Guernsey

jersey (n.)

1580s as a type of knitted cloth; 1842 as a breed of cattle; both from Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. Its name is said to be a corruption of Latin Caesarea, the Roman name for the island (or another near it), influenced by Old English ey "island" (see island); but it is perhaps rather a Viking name (perhaps meaning "Geirr's island").

The meaning "woolen knitted close-fitting tunic," especially one worn during sporting events, is from 1845. In American English, short for New Jersey from 1758. Related: Jerseyman.

updated on March 19, 2021

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Definitions of Guernsey from WordNet

Guernsey (n.)
a Channel Island to the northwest of Jersey;
Synonyms: island of Guernsey
Guernsey (n.)
breed of dairy cattle from the island of Guernsey;
From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near Guernsey

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gudgeon

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guerdon

guerilla

Guernsey

guerrilla

guess

guesstimate

guess-work

guest

© 2001-2022 Douglas Harper