Etymology Map
Back to all words

Koel

3 stages from Sanskrit to English.

Today it means An Asian cuckoo known for its loud, melodious call, often heard but rarely seen.

Where does the word "koel" come from? It comes from Sanskrit kokila, passing through Hindi before entering English (1826).

1
Stage 1 of 3
kokila
Sanskrit · ancient
"the Asian koel, a cuckoo"
an echoic name for the Asian cuckoo
2
Stage 2 of 3
koyal
Hindi · medieval
"the koel bird"
the everyday name for the bird
3
Stage 3 of 3
koel
English · 1826
"an Asian cuckoo known for its loud, distinctive call"
British naturalists in India adopted the bird's name
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom