Etymology Map
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City

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a large and important town

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
civitas
Latin · ancient
"citizenship, community"
from 'civis', citizen; it meant the body of citizens before it meant a place
2
Stage 2 of 3
cite
Old French · medieval
"town"
Paris's oldest district is still the Île de la Cité
3
Stage 3 of 3
city
English · 1200s
"a large town"
in Britain it was traditionally a town with a cathedral
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Read the full story

City’s story begins in Latin: civitas meant “citizenship, community.” From 'civis', citizen; it meant the body of citizens before it meant a place. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as cite. Paris's oldest district is still the Île de la Cité. It reached English by 1200s as city. In Britain it was traditionally a town with a cathedral. Today, city means a large and important town.