Etymology Map
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Oval

2 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means egg-shaped

Where does the word "oval" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin ovalis, adopted directly into English (1570s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
ovalis
Medieval Latin · medieval
"egg-shaped"
from 'ovum', egg
2
Stage 2 of 2
oval
English · 1570s
"egg-shaped"
the White House's Oval Office dates from 1909
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Read the full story

Oval’s story begins in Medieval Latin: ovalis meant “egg-shaped.” From 'ovum', egg. It reached English by 1570s as oval. The White House's Oval Office dates from 1909. Today, oval means egg-shaped.