ways

1 of 2

noun

ˈwāz How to pronounce ways (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
Synonyms of waysnext
: way sense 6
a long ways from home

-ways

2 of 2

adverb suffix

: in (such) a way, course, direction, or manner
sideways

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wayes, from genitive of way entry 1

Adverb suffix

Middle English, from ways, genitive of way

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ways was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing ways

Dictionary Entries Near ways

wayrod

ways

-ways

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ways.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ways. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

-ways

adverb suffix
ˌwāz
: in such a way, course, direction, or manner
sideways
Etymology

Adverb suffix

derived from Middle English way "course, route"

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