Etymology Map
Back to all words

Model

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a replica; a person who poses

Where does the word "model" come from? It comes from Latin modulus, passing through Italian before entering English (1570s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
modulus
Latin · ancient
"small measure"
a diminutive of 'modus', measure
2
Stage 2 of 3
modello
Italian · 1500s
"model"
Renaissance architects built models of planned buildings
3
Stage 3 of 3
model
English · 1570s
"architect's plan"
fashion 'models' date from the 1900s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Model’s story begins in Latin: modulus meant “small measure.” A diminutive of 'modus', measure. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in Italian as modello. Renaissance architects built models of planned buildings. It reached English by 1570s as model. Fashion 'models' date from the 1900s. Today, model means a replica; a person who poses.