This list includes 12 Prefixes that start with W, from “wan” to “world”. They are compact, often Old English in origin, and help form descriptive or compound words in everyday or academic use. Entries prioritize well-attested, high-utility prefixes and clear example words.

Prefixes that start with W are word parts placed before a root to change or refine a word’s meaning. Several come from Old English or expressive formations, and “world-” now anchors many global terms.

Below you’ll find the table with Prefix, Origin, Meaning, and Examples.

Prefix: The prefix itself, shown in quotes when helpful, so you can spot patterns and use it directly.

Origin: The language or root source, letting you trace history and compare how forms spread between languages.

Meaning: A concise, three-to-seven-word gloss that tells you the core sense to apply when building or analyzing words.

Examples: Two to four clear example words show common usage and help you recognize the prefix in real contexts.

Prefixes that start with W

PrefixOriginMeaningExamples
withOld EnglishAgainst, back, away, fromwithdraw, withhold, withstand
wanOld EnglishLacking, wanting, deficientwanhope, wantrust, wanrest
waterGermanicRelating to, using, or involving waterwaterproof, watercolor, waterfront
waveGermanicRelating to or shaped like a wavewaveform, wavelength, waveguide
weatherGermanicRelating to or affected by the weatherweatherproof, weatherbeaten, weathercock
wellOld EnglishIn a good way, thoroughly, properlywell-known, well-behaved, well-being
windGermanicRelating to or operated by windwindmill, windproof, windshield
wireGermanicRelating to or using metal wirewiretap, wireframe, wire-haired
wolfGermanicResembling or relating to a wolfwolfhound, wolfsbane, wolf-like
woodGermanicRelating to or made from woodwoodland, woodwork, woodpecker
workGermanicRelating to labor or a place of workworkshop, workbook, workforce
worldGermanicRelating to the entire world, globalworldwide, world-class, worldview

Descriptions

with
A historic prefix, no longer used to form new words, that often implies opposition, removal, or resistance.
wan
An archaic and rare prefix signifying an absence or deficiency of something, now mostly found in historical texts.
water
A highly productive combining form derived from the noun, used to create words related to water.
wave
A combining form from the noun, often used in scientific and technical terms to describe wave-like phenomena.
weather
A common combining form used to describe things related to, or designed to withstand, atmospheric conditions.
well
A very common combining form used to create compound adjectives and nouns describing a positive or thorough quality.
wind
A common combining form used to create words about wind, its effects, or protection from it.
wire
A combining form indicating a connection to metal wire, used in technology, communication, and descriptions.
wolf
A combining form used in names of plants and animals, or to describe something with wolf-like characteristics.
wood
A very common combining form used to create words related to trees, forests, or the material from trees.
work
A productive combining form creating words associated with employment, effort, and places or tools for labor.
world
A common combining form that extends the meaning of a word to a global or universal scale.
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