sari

Where does the word "sari" come from? It comes from Sanskrit sati, passing through Hindi before entering English (1800s).

Sari’s story begins in Sanskrit: sati meant “a strip of cloth.” Referring to a strip of cloth. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Hindi as sari. The traditional draped garment worn by South Asian women. It reached English by 1800s as sari. Sanskrit 'śāṭī', strip of cloth; styles of draping vary by region. Today, sari means a traditional South Asian garment consisting of a long draped piece of cloth.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient sati "a strip of cloth", referring to a strip of cloth.
2. Stage 2 · Hindi · medieval sari "a draped garment", the traditional draped garment worn by South Asian women.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1800s sari "a long draped garment worn by South Asian women", Sanskrit 'śāṭī', strip of cloth; styles of draping vary by region.