Switzerland
/ˈswɪtsərlənd/noun
A country in central Europe.
Did you know?The name ultimately comes from Schwyz, one of the original cantons of the Swiss Confederation, and English later generalized that local name to the whole country.
Etymological Timeline
Old High German
OHG
Swīz
“A place-name associated with Schwyz, likely from a personal or local name”
13th Century
Middle High German
Swiz
“The canton of Schwyz”
Late Middle Ages
Latin
Swyz / Schwytz
“Latinized forms referring to the canton and its people”
16th Century
French
Suisse
“The Swiss Confederation or its inhabitants”
16th-17th Century
English
Switzerland
“The country of the Swiss”