News
late Middle English: plural of new, translating Old French noveles or medieval Latin nova ‘new things’.
wiktionary
From Middle English newes, newys(“new things”), equivalent to new(noun) + -s. Compare Saterland Frisian Näis(“news”), East Frisian näjs ("news"), West Frisian nijs(“news”), Dutch nieuws(“news”), German Low German Neeis(“new things; news”). Often erroneously said to be an acronym of "North, East, West, South" or "Noteworthy Events, Weather, Sports".
etymonline
news (n.)
late 14c., "new things," plural of new (n.) "new thing" (see new (adj.)); after French nouvelles, which was used in Bible translations to render Medieval Latin nova (neuter plural) "news," literally "new things."
The English word was construed as singular at least from the 1560s, but it sometimes still was regarded as plural 17c.-19c. The odd and doubtful construction probably accounts for the absurd folk-etymology (attested by 1640 but originally, and in 18c. usually, in jest-books) that claims it to be an abbreviation of north east south west, as though "information from all quarters of the compass."
Meaning "tidings, intelligence of something that has lately taken place" is from early 15c. Meaning "radio or television program presenting current events" is from 1923. Bad news in the extended sense of "unpleasant person or situation" is from 1926. Expression no news, good news can be traced to 1640s. Expression news to me "something I did not know" is from 1889.
News-agent "person who deals in newspapers" is from 1817. News-hound "reporter" is by 1908. The newspaper office news desk is by 1840. News-monger "one who employs much time in hearing and telling news" is from 1590s. The News in the Virginia city Newport News is said to derive from the name of one of its founders, William Newce.
news (v.)
"to tell as news, report, rumor," 1640s, from news (n.). Related: Newsed; newsing.
