Woad

At a Glance

Meaning

The woad plant (Isatis tinctoria), source of a deep blue dye

Origin

Old English

Pronunciation

WOHDListen

Woad is an Old English name for the plant Isatis tinctoria, the source of a deep blue dye. It's pronounced WOHD. You may have heard that it's the dye Celtic warriors painted on themselves before battle, but that story comes from classical accounts, such as Caesar's, that modern historians still debate, and it isn't part of what the word means, which simply names the plant and its dye.

Meaning & Origin of Woad

Meaning: The woad plant (Isatis tinctoria), source of a deep blue dye.

Origin: Old English.

A common claim: Said to be the blue dye plant Celtic warriors painted themselves with before battle. Actually: The battle-paint story comes from classical accounts (e.g. Caesar) whose accuracy modern historians debate; it isn't part of the word's actual meaning, which just denotes the plant/dye.

How to Pronounce Woad

Popularity of Woad

Woad does not appear in U.S. Social Security birth-name records (38,443 names on file, 1880–present) — likely too rare, too new, or recorded under a different spelling. No popularity rank or trend is shown rather than an invented one.

FAQ

What does the name Woad mean?

The woad plant (Isatis tinctoria), source of a deep blue dye.

How do you pronounce Woad?

Woad is pronounced WOHD (IPA: /woʊd/).

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