Etymology Map
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Usher

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person who shows people to their seats

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
ostiarius
Latin · ancient
"doorkeeper"
from 'ostium', door
2
Stage 2 of 3
ussier
Old French · medieval
"doorkeeper"
an official at a court's door
3
Stage 3 of 3
usher
English · 1300s
"doorkeeper"
wedding and theatre ushers date later
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Read the full story

Usher’s story begins in Latin: ostiarius meant “doorkeeper.” From 'ostium', door. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as ussier. An official at a court's door. It reached English by 1300s as usher. Wedding and theatre ushers date later. Today, usher means a person who shows people to their seats.