Hamlet
/ˈhæm.lɪt/noun
A small village or rural settlement; also, the title character of Shakespeare's tragedy.
Did you know?The word comes from a diminutive of Old French words for a small home or settlement, and Shakespeare’s prince likely helped make the name feel hauntingly iconic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kam-
“to bend, curve; possibly the source of words for a covering or shelter”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*haimaz
“home, village, dwelling”
Old English
OE
hām
“home, village, estate”
Old French
OF
hamel
“small village; little home”
Middle English
ME
hamlet
“a small village or settlement”
Modern English
English
hamlet
“a small village; a tiny settlement, especially in the countryside”