Etymology Map
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Domain

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an area of control or knowledge

Where does the word "domain" come from? It comes from Latin dominium, passing through Old French before entering English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
dominium
Latin · ancient
"property, rule"
from 'dominus', lord
2
Stage 2 of 3
demaine
Old French · medieval
"lord's estate"
land held by a lord
3
Stage 3 of 3
domain
English · 1600s
"estate"
internet 'domains' date from the 1980s
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Read the full story

Domain’s story begins in Latin: dominium meant “property, rule.” From 'dominus', lord. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as demaine. Land held by a lord. It reached English by 1600s as domain. Internet 'domains' date from the 1980s. Today, domain means an area of control or knowledge.