Etymology Map
Back to all words

Tunic

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a loose garment reaching the knees

Where does the word "tunic" come from? It comes from Latin tunica, passing through Old French before entering English (1000s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
tunica
Latin · ancient
"tunic"
possibly of Semitic origin, like Hebrew 'kuttoneth'
2
Stage 2 of 3
tunique
Old French · medieval
"tunic"
the basic Roman garment
3
Stage 3 of 3
tunic
English · 1000s
"loose garment"
military tunics date from the 1800s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Tunic’s story begins in Latin: tunica meant “tunic.” Possibly of Semitic origin, like Hebrew 'kuttoneth'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as tunique. The basic Roman garment. It reached English by 1000s as tunic. Military tunics date from the 1800s. Today, tunic means a loose garment reaching the knees.