Etymology Map
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Parcel

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means a wrapped package; a piece of land

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
particula
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"small part"
a diminutive of 'pars', part
2
Stage 2 of 3
parcelle
Old French · medieval
"small piece"
a portion of land or goods
3
Stage 3 of 3
parcel
English · 1300s
"a portion"
a wrapped package dates from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Parcel’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: particula meant “small part.” A diminutive of 'pars', part. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as parcelle. A portion of land or goods. It reached English by 1300s as parcel. A wrapped package dates from the 1600s. Today, parcel means a wrapped package; a piece of land.