Etymology Map
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Marine

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to the sea

Where does the word "marine" come from? It comes from Latin marinus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
marinus
Latin · ancient
"of the sea"
from 'mare', sea
2
Stage 2 of 3
marin
Old French · medieval
"of the sea"
relating to the sea
3
Stage 3 of 3
marine
English · 1300s
"of the sea"
'Marines' as naval soldiers date from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Marine’s story begins in Latin: marinus meant “of the sea.” From 'mare', sea. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as marin. Relating to the sea. It reached English by 1300s as marine. 'Marines' as naval soldiers date from the 1600s. Today, marine means relating to the sea.