Etymology Map
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Pierce

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to go into or through with a sharp point

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
pertusiare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to bore through"
from 'pertundere', to punch through
2
Stage 2 of 3
percier
Old French · medieval
"to pierce"
spelled 'perce' in early English
3
Stage 3 of 3
pierce
English · 1200s
"to penetrate"
'piercing' for jewellery dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Pierce’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: pertusiare meant “to bore through.” From 'pertundere', to punch through. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as percier. Spelled 'perce' in early English. It reached English by 1200s as pierce. 'piercing' for jewellery dates from the 1900s. Today, pierce means to go into or through with a sharp point.