Etymology Map
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Costume

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a set of clothes for a particular role or period

Where does the word "costume" come from? It comes from Latin consuetudo, passing through Italian before entering English (1710s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
consuetudo
Latin · ancient
"custom, habit"
the same root as 'custom'
2
Stage 2 of 3
costume
Italian · 1600s
"custom, fashion; period dress"
Italian painters used it for historically accurate dress and setting
3
Stage 3 of 3
costume
English · 1710s
"fashion, style of dress"
arrived via French; theatrical costumes date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Costume’s story begins in Latin: consuetudo meant “custom, habit.” The same root as 'custom'. By 1600s, the word had taken hold in Italian as costume. Italian painters used it for historically accurate dress and setting. It reached English by 1710s as costume. Arrived via French; theatrical costumes date from the 1800s. Today, costume means a set of clothes for a particular role or period.