Bottom
/ˈbɒt.əm/noun
The lowest part of something; the base or underside.
Did you know?In Old English, the word was already used for the lowest part of a space or vessel, and its deep-rooted Germanic history is why it feels so physically grounded today.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhudʰ-
“To be at the bottom or lowest part; underlying base”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*butmaz
“The bottom, lowest part”
Old English
OE
botm
“The bottom, lowest part of something; the seabed or floor”
Middle English
ME
botom
“The lowest part, base, or deepest part of a thing”
Modern English
English
bottom
“The lowest part or underside of something”
Explore more surprising origins