Etymology Map
Back to all words

Award

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means a prize; to give officially

Where does the word "award" come from? It comes from Frankish wardon, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
wardon
Frankish · ancient
"to watch, guard"
a Frankish word related to 'ward'
2
Stage 2 of 3
awarder
Old French · medieval
"to decide after examination"
Norman French form of 'esguarder', to observe
3
Stage 3 of 3
award
English · 1300s
"judicial decision"
prizes called 'awards' date from the 1900s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Award’s story begins in Frankish: wardon meant “to watch, guard.” A Frankish word related to 'ward'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as awarder. Norman French form of 'esguarder', to observe. It reached English by 1300s as award. Prizes called 'awards' date from the 1900s. Today, award means a prize; to give officially.