Etymology Map
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Crochet

3 stages from Old Norse to English.

Today it means needlework using a hooked needle

Where does the word "crochet" come from? It comes from Old Norse krok, passing through French before entering English (1840s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
krok
Old Norse · medieval
"hook"
a Norse word, the root of 'crook'
2
Stage 2 of 3
crochet
French · 1800s
"small hook"
a diminutive of 'croc', hook
3
Stage 3 of 3
crochet
English · 1840s
"hooked needlework"
crochet spread as a Victorian craft
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Read the full story

Crochet’s story begins in Old Norse: krok meant “hook.” A Norse word, the root of 'crook'. By 1800s, the word had taken hold in French as crochet. A diminutive of 'croc', hook. It reached English by 1840s as crochet. Crochet spread as a Victorian craft. Today, crochet means needlework using a hooked needle.