Etymology Map
Back to all words

Engine

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a machine that converts energy into motion

Where does the word "engine" come from? It comes from Latin ingenium, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
ingenium
Latin · ancient
"innate talent, device"
the root of 'ingenious' and 'engineer'
2
Stage 2 of 3
engin
Old French · medieval
"skill; contrivance"
also meant a trick or war machine
3
Stage 3 of 3
engine
English · 1300s
"skill; machine"
steam engines of the 1700s fixed the modern sense
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Engine’s story begins in Latin: ingenium meant “innate talent, device.” The root of 'ingenious' and 'engineer'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as engin. Also meant a trick or war machine. It reached English by 1300s as engine. Steam engines of the 1700s fixed the modern sense. Today, engine means a machine that converts energy into motion.