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Added 9 October 2026

secret

/ˈsiː.kɹɪt/ noun

In Latin: opertum, sēcrētum, arcānum Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about secret at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A piece of knowledge that is hidden and intended to be kept hidden. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
"Can you keep a secret?" "Yes." "So can I."
The key or principle by which something is made clear; the knack.
The secret to a long-lasting marriage is compromise.
Something not understood or known.

verb

To make or keep secret.
To hide secretly.

adjective

Being or kept hidden.
We went down a secret passage.
Withdrawn from general intercourse or notice; in retirement or secrecy; secluded.
Faithful to a secret; not inclined to divulge or betray confidence; secretive, separate, apart.

Origin

The noun is from Middle English secret, from Latin sēcrētum. Doublet of secretum. Displaced Old English dēagolnes (“a secret”). The verb is from the noun.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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