Etymology Map
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Union

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means the act of joining together; an organization of workers

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

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

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.