An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Winkel

by Friedrich Kluge

Winkel, m., ‘angle, corner, nook,’ from the equiv. MidHG. winkel, OHG. winchil, m.; corresponding to Du. winkel, AS. wincel, ‘angle,’ to which Goth. waíhsta, m., ‘angle, corner,’ formed from a nasalised root, is allied. The primary meaning of the word is probably ‘bend.’ See Wink.