Etymology Map
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Park

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a public green area; to leave a vehicle

Where does the word "park" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin parricus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
parricus
Medieval Latin · medieval
"enclosure"
a Medieval Latin word of Germanic origin, related to 'paddock'
2
Stage 2 of 3
parc
Old French · medieval
"enclosure"
an enclosed hunting ground
3
Stage 3 of 3
park
English · 1200s
"hunting enclosure"
'car park' dates from the 1920s
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Read the full story

Park’s story begins in Medieval Latin: parricus meant “enclosure.” A Medieval Latin word of Germanic origin, related to 'paddock'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as parc. An enclosed hunting ground. It reached English by 1200s as park. 'car park' dates from the 1920s. Today, park means a public green area; to leave a vehicle.