Etymology Map
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Armoire

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a large ornate wardrobe or cupboard

Where does the word "armoire" come from? It comes from Latin armārium, passing through Old French before entering English (1570s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
armārium
Latin · ancient
"tool closet"
a closet for tools or weapons, from 'arma', arms
2
Stage 2 of 3
armaire
Old French · medieval
"cupboard"
a cupboard; 'ambry', a church cupboard for sacred vessels, comes from the same word
3
Stage 3 of 3
armoire
English · 1570s
"wardrobe"
used especially for French-style wardrobes
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Read the full story

Armoire’s story begins in Latin: armārium meant “tool closet.” A closet for tools or weapons, from 'arma', arms. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as armaire. A cupboard; 'ambry', a church cupboard for sacred vessels, comes from the same word. It reached English by 1570s as armoire. Used especially for French-style wardrobes. Today, armoire means a large ornate wardrobe or cupboard.