Etymology Map
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Stein

3 stages from German to English.

Today it means a large earthenware beer mug

Where does the word "stein" come from? It comes from German Stein, passing through German before entering English (1850s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
Stein
German · medieval
"stone"
stone
2
Stage 2 of 3
Steinkrug
German · 1600s
"stoneware jug"
a stoneware jug
3
Stage 3 of 3
stein
American English · 1850s
"beer mug"
German immigrants' beer halls made it familiar in the United States
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Read the full story

Stein’s story begins in German: Stein meant “stone.” Stone. Within German, it grew into Steinkrug by 1600s. A stoneware jug. It reached English by 1850s as stein. German immigrants' beer halls made it familiar in the United States. Today, stein means a large earthenware beer mug.