Etymology Map
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Patrol

3 stages from French to English.

Today it means a person or group keeping watch

Where does the word "patrol" come from? It comes from French patouiller, passing through French before entering English (1660s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
patouiller
French · 1500s
"to paddle in mud"
from 'patte', paw
2
Stage 2 of 3
patrouille
French · 1600s
"night watch"
soldiers tramping through the mud
3
Stage 3 of 3
patrol
English · 1660s
"guard round"
police 'patrol' cars date from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Patrol’s story begins in French: patouiller meant “to paddle in mud.” From 'patte', paw. Within French, it grew into patrouille by 1600s. Soldiers tramping through the mud. It reached English by 1660s as patrol. Police 'patrol' cars date from the 1900s. Today, patrol means a person or group keeping watch.