Etymology Map
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Senator

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a member of a senate

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
senator
Latin · classical
"member of the senate"
a member of the senatus, literally 'council of elders', from senex 'old man', the root of 'senile'
2
Stage 2 of 3
senatour
Old French · 1100s
"senator"
used of Roman senators and of councillors in Italian cities such as Venice
3
Stage 3 of 3
senator
English · 1200s
"member of a senate"
the US Constitution of 1787 gave each state two senators
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Read the full story

Senator’s story begins in Latin: senator meant “member of the senate.” A member of the senatus, literally 'council of elders', from senex 'old man', the root of 'senile'. By 1100s, the word had taken hold in Old French as senatour. Used of Roman senators and of councillors in Italian cities such as Venice. It reached English by 1200s as senator. The US Constitution of 1787 gave each state two senators. Today, senator means a member of a senate.