merriam-webster.com

Definition of -AL

: of, relating to, or characterized by

Word History

Etymology

Adjective suffix

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin -alis

Noun suffix (1)

Middle English -aille, from Anglo-French, from Latin -alia, neuter plural of -alis

Noun suffix (2)

French, from alcool alcohol, from Medieval Latin alcohol

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Al.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Al. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on Al

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Merriam-Webster unabridged