Etymology Map
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Touch

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to come into contact with

Where does the word "touch" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin toccare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
toccare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to knock, strike"
an imitative Vulgar Latin word, like 'tok' for a knock
2
Stage 2 of 3
tochier
Old French · medieval
"to touch, hit"
also gave Italian 'toccata', a piece showing off the performer's touch
3
Stage 3 of 3
touch
English · 1300s
"to make contact"
'touch base' and 'in touch' came in the 1900s
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Read the full story

Touch’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: toccare meant “to knock, strike.” An imitative Vulgar Latin word, like 'tok' for a knock. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as tochier. Also gave Italian 'toccata', a piece showing off the performer's touch. It reached English by 1300s as touch. 'touch base' and 'in touch' came in the 1900s. Today, touch means to come into contact with.