Etymology Map
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Limousine

3 stages from French to English.

Today it means a large, luxurious car, often driven by a chauffeur

Where does the word "limousine" come from? It comes from French Limousin, passing through French before entering English (1902).

1
Stage 1 of 3
Limousin
French · medieval
"Limousin region"
a region of central France around Limoges
2
Stage 2 of 3
limousine
French · 1800s
"hooded cloak; car"
a hooded cloak worn by Limousin shepherds, then a car whose driver sat outside under a similar hood
3
Stage 3 of 3
limousine
English · 1902
"luxury car"
borrowed with the early motor car
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Read the full story

Limousine’s story begins in French: Limousin meant “Limousin region.” A region of central France around Limoges. Within French, it grew into limousine by 1800s. A hooded cloak worn by Limousin shepherds, then a car whose driver sat outside under a similar hood. It reached English by 1902 as limousine. Borrowed with the early motor car. Today, limousine means a large, luxurious car, often driven by a chauffeur.