Etymology Map
Back to all words

Furlough

2 stages from Dutch to English.

Today it means leave of absence, especially temporary layoff from work

Where does the word "furlough" come from? It comes from Dutch verlof, adopted directly into English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
verlof
Dutch · 1600s
"permission, leave"
'ver-' plus 'lof', permission, related to English 'leave'
2
Stage 2 of 2
furlough
English · 1620s
"leave of absence; later temporary unpaid leave"
brought home by English soldiers who fought in Dutch service; later, became widely known in Britain during the COVID-19 job retention scheme
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Furlough’s story begins in Dutch: verlof meant “permission, leave.” 'ver-' plus 'lof', permission, related to English 'leave'. It reached English by 1620s as furlough. Brought home by English soldiers who fought in Dutch service; later, became widely known in Britain during the COVID-19 job retention scheme. Today, furlough means leave of absence, especially temporary layoff from work.