Etymology Map
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Vacant

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means not occupied; blank

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
vacare
Latin · ancient
"to be empty"
the root of 'vacation' and 'vacuum'
2
Stage 2 of 3
vacant
Old French · medieval
"empty"
used of offices without holders
3
Stage 3 of 3
vacant
English · 1300s
"empty"
'vacant' look, meaning blank, dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Vacant’s story begins in Latin: vacare meant “to be empty.” The root of 'vacation' and 'vacuum'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vacant. Used of offices without holders. It reached English by 1300s as vacant. 'vacant' look, meaning blank, dates from the 1500s. Today, vacant means not occupied; blank.