Etymology Map
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Tapestry

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a textile with pictures woven into it

Where does the word "tapestry" come from? It comes from Greek tapēs, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
tapēs
Greek · ancient
"carpet"
Greek, possibly from Persian
2
Stage 2 of 3
tapisserie
Old French · medieval
"tapestry"
from 'tapis', carpet
3
Stage 3 of 3
tapestry
English · 1400s
"woven hanging"
the Bayeux Tapestry is actually embroidery
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Read the full story

Tapestry’s story begins in Greek: tapēs meant “carpet.” Greek, possibly from Persian. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as tapisserie. From 'tapis', carpet. It reached English by 1400s as tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry is actually embroidery. Today, tapestry means a textile with pictures woven into it.