Etymology Map
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Brush

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means an implement with bristles

Where does the word "brush" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin bruscia, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
bruscia
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"brushwood"
a Vulgar Latin word, possibly Germanic
2
Stage 2 of 3
broce
Old French · medieval
"brushwood, twigs"
bundles of twigs were used to sweep
3
Stage 3 of 3
brush
English · 1300s
"brushwood; broom"
'brush-off' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Brush’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: bruscia meant “brushwood.” A Vulgar Latin word, possibly Germanic. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as broce. Bundles of twigs were used to sweep. It reached English by 1300s as brush. 'brush-off' dates from the 1900s. Today, brush means an implement with bristles.