Etymology Map
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Journey

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means an act of travelling from one place to another

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
diurnum
Late Latin · ancient
"a day's portion"
from 'diurnus', of the day, from 'dies', day
2
Stage 2 of 3
journee
Old French · medieval
"a day's travel or work"
the same root as 'journal', a daily record
3
Stage 3 of 3
journey
English · 1200s
"a day's travel"
later any trip regardless of length
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Read the full story

Journey’s story begins in Late Latin: diurnum meant “a day's portion.” From 'diurnus', of the day, from 'dies', day. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as journee. The same root as 'journal', a daily record. It reached English by 1200s as journey. Later any trip regardless of length. Today, journey means an act of travelling from one place to another.