For general word history:
* Online Etymology Dictionary: This website is a great starting point for most words. It's comprehensive, easy to use, and provides basic information on word origins, including the language it came from and its earliest known usage. ([https://www.etymonline.com/](https://www.etymonline.com/))
* Oxford English Dictionary: The OED is the gold standard for English lexicography. It provides detailed etymology information for a vast number of words, often with multiple entries for different meanings. It requires a subscription, but libraries usually have access. ([https://www.oed.com/](https://www.oed.com/))
* Merriam-Webster Dictionary: This dictionary also provides decent etymological information for many words, especially common ones. It's readily available online and in print. ([https://www.merriam-webster.com/](https://www.merriam-webster.com/))
For deeper historical research:
* Historical dictionaries: These dictionaries focus on words from specific historical periods, providing more context on how words were used and evolved over time. The *Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue* and *Middle English Dictionary* are good examples.
* Linguistic databases: Resources like the *Dictionary of American Regional English* (DARE) and the *Survey of English Dialects* (SED) can help track regional variations and how words have changed over time.
* Primary sources: Historical texts, like medieval manuscripts, can offer insights into the earliest forms of a word and how it was used in different contexts.
For specific types of words:
* Technical dictionaries: For technical terms, specialized dictionaries like the *Oxford Dictionary of Science* or the *Dictionary of Computer Science* may be necessary.
* Slang dictionaries: Dictionaries dedicated to slang terms can be helpful for tracing the origin of informal language.
Remember that tracing the origin of a word can be like following a trail of breadcrumbs! Often, a word's history involves multiple influences and changes over time.
Let me know if you have a specific word in mind, and I can help you find the right resources!