Toxophily
/tɒkˈsɒf.ɪ.li/noun
The practice or love of archery.
Did you know?Toxophily was coined in the 16th century from Greek roots, and its first element, toxon, originally meant a bow—not a toxin—though the same Greek word later helped shape the modern word toxin.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
τόξον (toxon)
“bow; later associated with the bow used in archery”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φιλία (philia)
“love, friendship, fondness”
16th Century
English
toxophily
“love or practice of archery”
16th Century
English
toxophilite
“a lover or practitioner of archery”
Modern English
English
toxophily
“the sport or practice of archery”
Explore more surprising origins