What does wull mean?
Wull is a chiefly Scots and northern English form of the English word “will.” As a verb, it is commonly used to refer to the future, as in “I wull call,” but it can also convey determination, willingness, or intention. Its function is therefore broader than a simple statement of future time: it may imply that the speaker is resolved to carry out an action. In Scots writing and speech, wull gives familiar expressions a distinctive regional character, while standard modern English normally uses “will.” The noun is older and less common, meaning a will or testament, as well as a wish or determined intention. Because wull preserves forms associated with older Scottish and northern English speech, it is especially useful for reading dialect literature and understanding the region’s linguistic heritage. In general contemporary writing, however, “will” is the appropriate and readily understood choice.
A chiefly Scots form of will, used to express the future, determination, willingness, or intention.
"We wull gang home after the game."
Chiefly Scottish or northern dialect; standard modern English normally uses “will.”
A Scots or archaic English will or testament; by extension, a wish or determined intention.
"The old man changed his wull before the end of the year."
This noun is uncommon in modern English and is chiefly associated with Scots, archaic, or dialect usage.
The plural is chiefly used when referring to multiple wills, testaments, wishes, or intentions in Scots or archaic usage.
"The lawyers read the wulls before the meeting."
Say “I wull” and you have a glimpse of the old Scots voice that gave us “will.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wull
The Scottish and archaic verb wull developed from Middle English wille, the Old English form of the modern English verb will. The Scots form retained the northern vowel pattern associated with the word while becoming especially characteristic as a future auxiliary. The noun belongs to the same inherited Germanic word family, which also includes willing, willingly, and wilful.
How wull is actually used
Wull is primarily associated with Scots and northern English usage. It is not part of standard modern English, and writers using contemporary English normally choose will. In Scots, it commonly appears in constructions such as “I wull” and “wull ye?”
Easily confused with wull
Wull is a Scots or archaic form of will, whereas wool is the soft fiber obtained from sheep.