Etymology Map
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Ointment

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a smooth substance rubbed on the skin

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
unguentum
Latin · ancient
"ointment"
from 'unguere', to anoint
2
Stage 2 of 3
oignement
Old French · medieval
"anointing oil"
the 't' was added in English from 'anoint'
3
Stage 3 of 3
ointment
English · 1300s
"a healing salve"
'a fly in the ointment' comes from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 10:1
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Read the full story

Ointment’s story begins in Latin: unguentum meant “ointment.” From 'unguere', to anoint. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as oignement. The 't' was added in English from 'anoint'. It reached English by 1300s as ointment. 'a fly in the ointment' comes from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 10:1. Today, ointment means a smooth substance rubbed on the skin.