Etymology Map
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Vault

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means an arched roof; a secure room

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
volvita
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"a turn, arch"
from 'volvere', to roll, the root of 'revolve'
2
Stage 2 of 3
vaute
Old French · medieval
"arched roof"
the 'l' was restored from Latin in the 1500s
3
Stage 3 of 3
vault
English · 1300s
"arched roof"
bank 'vaults' and pole 'vaulting' came later
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Read the full story

Vault’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: volvita meant “a turn, arch.” From 'volvere', to roll, the root of 'revolve'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vaute. The 'l' was restored from Latin in the 1500s. It reached English by 1300s as vault. Bank 'vaults' and pole 'vaulting' came later. Today, vault means an arched roof; a secure room.