Added 3 October 2026
essay
/ˈɛs.eɪ/ noun
In Latin: meditatio, meletemata Coined: a coined word Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about essay at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
- A test, experiment; an assay.
- An attempt.
verb
Origin
Since late 16th century, borrowed from Middle French essay, essai (“essay”), meaning coined by Montaigne at the same time, from the same words with the earlier meanings 'experiment; assay; attempt', from Old French essay, essai, assay, assai, from Latin exagium (“weight; weighing, testing on the balance”), from exigere + -ium.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)