Etymology Map
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Guilder

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means the former currency of the Netherlands

Where does the word "guilder" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch gulden, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
gulden
Middle Dutch · medieval
"golden (coin)"
'golden', short for 'gulden florijn', golden florin
2
Stage 2 of 2
guilder
English · 1400s
"Dutch coin"
the Dutch guilder lasted until the euro replaced it in 2002
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Read the full story

Guilder’s story begins in Middle Dutch: gulden meant “golden (coin).” 'golden', short for 'gulden florijn', golden florin. It reached English by 1400s as guilder. The Dutch guilder lasted until the euro replaced it in 2002. Today, guilder means the former currency of the Netherlands.