Etymology Map
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Jewel

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a precious stone; a treasured person or thing

Where does the word "jewel" come from? It comes from Latin jocus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
jocus
Latin · ancient
"jest, game"
the same root as 'joke' and 'juggle'
2
Stage 2 of 3
jouel
Old French · medieval
"trinket, ornament"
a plaything or trinket, then a precious ornament
3
Stage 3 of 3
jewel
English · 1200s
"a precious stone"
'jewel in the crown' was applied to India under British rule
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Read the full story

Jewel’s story begins in Latin: jocus meant “jest, game.” The same root as 'joke' and 'juggle'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as jouel. A plaything or trinket, then a precious ornament. It reached English by 1200s as jewel. 'jewel in the crown' was applied to India under British rule. Today, jewel means a precious stone; a treasured person or thing.