Etymology Map
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Assemble

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to gather together; to fit parts together

Where does the word "assemble" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin assimulare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
assimulare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to bring together"
'ad-' plus 'simul', together
2
Stage 2 of 3
assembler
Old French · medieval
"to gather"
used for gatherings of people
3
Stage 3 of 3
assemble
English · 1200s
"to gather"
'assembly line' dates from 1914
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Read the full story

Assemble’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: assimulare meant “to bring together.” 'ad-' plus 'simul', together. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as assembler. Used for gatherings of people. It reached English by 1200s as assemble. 'assembly line' dates from 1914. Today, assemble means to gather together; to fit parts together.