Etymology Map
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Couple

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means two people in a relationship; two of something

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
copula
Latin · ancient
"bond, tie"
'co-', together, plus 'apere', to fasten
2
Stage 2 of 3
cople
Old French · medieval
"pair, bond"
a leash joining two hunting dogs
3
Stage 3 of 3
couple
English · 1200s
"a pair"
'a couple of' meaning 'a few' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Couple’s story begins in Latin: copula meant “bond, tie.” 'co-', together, plus 'apere', to fasten. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as cople. A leash joining two hunting dogs. It reached English by 1200s as couple. 'a couple of' meaning 'a few' dates from the 1900s. Today, couple means two people in a relationship; two of something.