Etymology Map
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Pen

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an instrument for writing with ink

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
penna
Latin · ancient
"feather"
the root of 'pennant'
2
Stage 2 of 3
penne
Old French · medieval
"quill pen"
writing was done with goose feathers
3
Stage 3 of 3
pen
English · 1300s
"quill"
'fountain pen' dates from the 1700s
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Read the full story

Pen’s story begins in Latin: penna meant “feather.” The root of 'pennant'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as penne. Writing was done with goose feathers. It reached English by 1300s as pen. 'fountain pen' dates from the 1700s. Today, pen means an instrument for writing with ink.