alway

adverb

al·way ˈȯl-(ˌ)wā

archaic

: always

… he never trows himself to be in prosperity, but alway languishes in love …—Richard Rolle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alwey, alneway, from Old English ealne weg, literally, all the way, from ealne (accusative of eall all) + weg (accusative) way — more at way

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of alway was in the 14th century

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Browse Nearby Words

alveopalatal

alway

always

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Alway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alway. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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alway

adverb

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