Etymology Map
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Troop

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a group of soldiers

Where does the word "troop" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin troppus, passing through French before entering English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
troppus
Medieval Latin · medieval
"flock, herd"
possibly Frankish 'throp', village
2
Stage 2 of 3
troupe
French · 1500s
"band of people"
the root of 'troupe' of actors
3
Stage 3 of 3
troop
English · 1540s
"band of soldiers"
'troops' as soldiers generally dates from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Troop’s story begins in Medieval Latin: troppus meant “flock, herd.” Possibly Frankish 'throp', village. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as troupe. The root of 'troupe' of actors. It reached English by 1540s as troop. 'troops' as soldiers generally dates from the 1600s. Today, troop means a group of soldiers.