Etymology Map
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Spool

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means a cylinder on which thread or film is wound

Where does the word "spool" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch spoele, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
spoele
Middle Dutch · medieval
"bobbin"
a weaver's bobbin, from the Flemish cloth trade
2
Stage 2 of 2
spool
English · 1300s
"reel"
later used for film and magnetic tape
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Read the full story

Spool’s story begins in Middle Dutch: spoele meant “bobbin.” A weaver's bobbin, from the Flemish cloth trade. It reached English by 1300s as spool. Later used for film and magnetic tape. Today, spool means a cylinder on which thread or film is wound.