union

Where does the word "union" come from? It comes from Late Latin unio, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

Union’s story begins in Late Latin: unio meant “oneness.” From 'unus', one. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as union. A joining in marriage or alliance. It reached English by 1400s as union. Trade 'unions' date from the 1830s. Today, union means the act of joining together; an organization of workers.

1. Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient unio "oneness", from 'unus', one.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval union "union", a joining in marriage or alliance.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s union "joining", trade 'unions' date from the 1830s.