Etymology Map
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Mirror

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a reflective surface, usually glass, that shows an image

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
mirari
Latin · ancient
"to wonder at"
the same root as 'miracle' and 'admire'
2
Stage 2 of 3
mireor
Old French · medieval
"looking glass"
early mirrors were polished metal, a luxury
3
Stage 3 of 3
mirror
English · 1200s
"a reflective surface"
also used figuratively for a model to imitate
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Read the full story

Mirror’s story begins in Latin: mirari meant “to wonder at.” The same root as 'miracle' and 'admire'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as mireor. Early mirrors were polished metal, a luxury. It reached English by 1200s as mirror. Also used figuratively for a model to imitate. Today, mirror means a reflective surface, usually glass, that shows an image.