Etymology Map
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Peloton

3 stages from French to English.

Today it means the main group of cyclists in a road race

Where does the word "peloton" come from? It comes from French pelote, passing through French before entering English (1950s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pelote
French · medieval
"ball"
a ball, from Latin 'pila'
2
Stage 2 of 3
peloton
French · 1600s
"platoon, group"
a little ball, then a small body of soldiers; English 'platoon' comes from it
3
Stage 3 of 3
peloton
English · 1950s
"pack of cyclists"
taken from French cycling reports, above all of the Tour de France
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Read the full story

Peloton’s story begins in French: pelote meant “ball.” A ball, from Latin 'pila'. Within French, it grew into peloton by 1600s. A little ball, then a small body of soldiers; English 'platoon' comes from it. It reached English by 1950s as peloton. Taken from French cycling reports, above all of the Tour de France. Today, peloton means the main group of cyclists in a road race.