Etymology Map
Back to all words

Choir

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an organized group of singers

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
chorus
Latin · ancient
"chorus, dance"
from Greek 'khoros', a dance in a ring
2
Stage 2 of 3
cuer
Old French · medieval
"choir"
the part of a church where singers sat
3
Stage 3 of 3
choir
English · 1200s
"choir of singers"
spelled 'quire' until the 1700s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Choir’s story begins in Latin: chorus meant “chorus, dance.” From Greek 'khoros', a dance in a ring. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as cuer. The part of a church where singers sat. It reached English by 1200s as choir. Spelled 'quire' until the 1700s. Today, choir means an organized group of singers.