Etymology Map
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Adder

2 stages from Old English to English.

Today it means a small venomous snake, the common European viper

Where does the word "adder" come from? It comes from Old English nǣdre, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
nǣdre
Old English · medieval
"serpent"
any serpent; the Old English Genesis calls the serpent in Eden a nǣdre (German Natter 'adder' is the same word)
2
Stage 2 of 2
adder
English · 1300s
"venomous snake"
'a nadder' became 'an adder'; it now names Britain's only venomous snake, Vipera berus
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Read the full story

Adder’s story begins in Old English: nǣdre meant “serpent.” Any serpent; the Old English Genesis calls the serpent in Eden a nǣdre (German Natter 'adder' is the same word). It reached English by 1300s as adder. 'a nadder' became 'an adder'; it now names Britain's only venomous snake, Vipera berus. Today, adder means a small venomous snake, the common European viper.