Etymology Map
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Proa

2 stages from Malay to English.

Today it means a fast Malay or Micronesian sailing boat with an outrigger

Where does the word "proa" come from? It comes from Malay perahu, adopted directly into English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
perahu
Malay · medieval
"boat"
Malay for any boat; sailing craft with outriggers linked the islands from Malacca to the Philippines
2
Stage 2 of 2
proa
English · 1580s
"fast outrigger sailing boat"
reached English via Portuguese parao and Dutch prauw, and was also applied to Micronesian craft: George Anson's crew captured a 'flying proa' at Tinian in 1742 and marvelled at its speed
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Proa’s story begins in Malay: perahu meant “boat.” Malay for any boat; sailing craft with outriggers linked the islands from Malacca to the Philippines. It reached English by 1580s as proa. Reached English via Portuguese parao and Dutch prauw, and was also applied to Micronesian craft: George Anson's crew captured a 'flying proa' at Tinian in 1742 and marvelled at its speed. Today, proa means a fast Malay or Micronesian sailing boat with an outrigger.