syrup

Where does the word "syrup" come from? It comes from Arabic sharāb, passing through Medieval Latin and Old French before entering English (medieval).

Syrup’s story begins in Arabic: sharāb meant “a drink, beverage.” A general word for a drink or beverage. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as siropus. Adopted for thick sweetened liquids used in medicine. From there it passed into Old French as sirop by medieval. Spread through French medical and culinary use. It reached English by medieval as syrup. Settled as the English spelling. Today, syrup means a thick, sweet liquid, often used to flavor food and drinks.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval sharāb "a drink, beverage", a general word for a drink or beverage.
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval siropus "a sweet medicinal liquid", adopted for thick sweetened liquids used in medicine.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval sirop "a sweet, thick liquid", spread through French medical and culinary use.
4. Stage 4 · English · medieval syrup "a thick, sweet liquid", settled as the English spelling.