peloton

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

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.

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