Etymology Map
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Cabinet

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a cupboard; a body of senior ministers

Where does the word "cabinet" come from? It comes from Late Latin capanna, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
capanna
Late Latin · ancient
"hut"
the same root as 'cabin'
2
Stage 2 of 3
cabinet
French · 1500s
"small room"
a diminutive of 'cabane'
3
Stage 3 of 3
cabinet
English · 1500s
"small room; cupboard"
the king's private council met in a small room, giving the political sense in the 1600s
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Read the full story

Cabinet’s story begins in Late Latin: capanna meant “hut.” The same root as 'cabin'. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as cabinet. A diminutive of 'cabane'. It reached English by 1500s as cabinet. The king's private council met in a small room, giving the political sense in the 1600s. Today, cabinet means a cupboard; a body of senior ministers.