Quick answer
Widdershins means in a direction opposite to the sun’s apparent course; counterclockwise. It is usually pronounced WID-er-shinz, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Widdershins
Widdershins describes someone or something that is in a direction opposite to the sun’s apparent course; counterclockwise. It belongs to funny-sounding words and works best in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
funny-soundingquirkymemorable
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is widdershins, it is in a direction opposite to the sun’s apparent course; counterclockwise. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Widdershins feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
The origin note most often attached to widdershins is: scots, probably from a phrase meaning “against the way”. Where the history is not fully settled, the safest thing to say is that the word’s sound and tone have helped keep it memorable.
Is this word still used today?
Widdershins is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The dancers moved widdershins around the fire.
- Folklore often treats walking widdershins as unlucky.
- Modern readers usually infer the meaning from context and atmosphere.
- The word is rare but memorable.
When should you use this word?
Use widdershins when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
Similar words
counterclockwise, anticlockwise, contrarywise
Opposite or contrasting words
clockwise, sunwise
Common questions
- What does widdershins mean? in a direction opposite to the sun’s apparent course; counterclockwise.
- How do you pronounce widdershins? It is commonly pronounced WID-er-shinz.
- Is widdershins still used today? Widdershins is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use widdershins? Use widdershins when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
- What words are similar to widdershins? Similar words include counterclockwise, anticlockwise, and contrarywise.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.