Etymology Map
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Wicker

3 stages from Scandinavian to English.

Today it means pliable twigs woven into furniture or baskets

Where does the word "wicker" come from? It comes from Scandinavian vikker, passing through Middle English before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
vikker
Scandinavian · medieval
"willow twig"
willow twigs, related to Swedish 'vika', to bend
2
Stage 2 of 3
wiker
Middle English · 1300s
"pliant twig"
borrowed from Norse settlers
3
Stage 3 of 3
wicker
English · 1500s
"woven twigs"
wicker baskets and furniture became especially fashionable in the 1800s
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Read the full story

Wicker’s story begins in Scandinavian: vikker meant “willow twig.” Willow twigs, related to Swedish 'vika', to bend. By 1300s, the word had taken hold in Middle English as wiker. Borrowed from Norse settlers. It reached English by 1500s as wicker. Wicker baskets and furniture became especially fashionable in the 1800s. Today, wicker means pliable twigs woven into furniture or baskets.