Etymology Map
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Chain

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a series of linked metal rings

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
catena
Latin · ancient
"chain"
the root of 'concatenate'
2
Stage 2 of 3
chaeine
Old French · medieval
"chain"
iron chains for prisoners and anchors
3
Stage 3 of 3
chain
English · 1300s
"chain"
'chain store' dates from the 1920s
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Read the full story

Chain’s story begins in Latin: catena meant “chain.” The root of 'concatenate'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chaeine. Iron chains for prisoners and anchors. It reached English by 1300s as chain. 'chain store' dates from the 1920s. Today, chain means a series of linked metal rings.