Etymology Map
Back to all words

Niqab

3 stages from Arabic to English.

Today it means a face veil worn by some Muslim women, leaving an opening for the eyes

Where does the word "niqab" come from? It comes from Arabic naqaba, passing through Arabic before entering English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
naqaba
Arabic · medieval
"to pierce, perforate"
meant "to pierce, bore a hole"
2
Stage 2 of 3
niqab
Arabic · medieval
"face veil"
named the face veil with an opening pierced for the eyes
3
Stage 3 of 3
niqab
English · 1900s
"eyes-only face veil"
entered English through discussion of Islamic dress
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom