Etymology Map
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Oil

4 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a thick liquid that does not mix with water

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

1
Stage 1 of 4
elaion
Greek · ancient
"olive oil"
Greek, related to 'elaia', olive tree
2
Stage 2 of 4
oleum
Latin · ancient
"olive oil"
Romans used it for cooking, lamps and bathing
3
Stage 3 of 4
oile
Old French · medieval
"oil"
olive oil was the oil of the Mediterranean
4
Stage 4 of 4
oil
English · 1200s
"olive oil"
petroleum 'oil' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Oil’s story begins in Greek: elaion meant “olive oil.” Greek, related to 'elaia', olive tree. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as oleum. Romans used it for cooking, lamps and bathing. From there it passed into Old French as oile by medieval. Olive oil was the oil of the Mediterranean. It reached English by 1200s as oil. Petroleum 'oil' dates from the 1800s. Today, oil means a thick liquid that does not mix with water.