English Explanatory Dictionary

riddance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An act of ridding, clearance, or removal; elimination.
  2. Deliverance, release, setting free; a relief involving getting rid of something.
  3. The earth thrown up by a burrowing animal.

Pronunciation

/ˈɹɪd(ə)n(t)s/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-riddance.wav /ˈɹɪdn̩(t)s/

Word forms

riddance riddances

Etymology

Apparently an alteration of earlier Middle English riddeings, ryddyngs, reddyngs (“clearings, clearances”), plural of riddyng, riddynge, rudyng (“clearing away, removal”), partially continuing Old English hryding (“a clearing, cleared land”), by surface analysis, rid + -ance.

Derived words

good riddance good riddance to bad rubbish
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