nine
The number 9; one more than eight.
Etymology
From Old English nigon, from Proto-Germanic *newun. This traces to PIE *h₁newn̥ meaning "nine." Like "eight," some scholars see this as derived from *h₁new- "new," possibly meaning "the new number" after completing a count of eight (two hands minus two thumbs).
The Journey: *h₁newn̥ → nine
*h₁newn̥
*newun
nigon
nine
Cognates Across Languages
These words in other languages descend from the same PIE root *h₁newn̥. They are not borrowings but independent inheritances from a common ancestor.
| Language | Word |
|---|---|
| Greek | ennéa |
| Latin | novem |
| Gothic | niun |
| Sanskrit | náva |
| Old Irish | noí |
| Lithuanian | devyni |
Did You Know?
Latin novem gave English "November" (originally the ninth month). The phrase "the whole nine yards" has debated origins but no confirmed connection to the number's etymology.
This word descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁newn̥. See the full root page for descendant trees, sound law references, and scholarly discussion.