Etymology Map
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Vine

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a climbing plant, especially a grapevine

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
vinea
Latin · ancient
"vineyard"
from 'vinum', wine
2
Stage 2 of 3
vigne
Old French · medieval
"vine, vineyard"
Romans spread vineyards across Gaul
3
Stage 3 of 3
vine
English · 1300s
"grapevine"
'I heard it through the grapevine' comes from telegraph wires of the 1860s
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Read the full story

Vine’s story begins in Latin: vinea meant “vineyard.” From 'vinum', wine. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vigne. Romans spread vineyards across Gaul. It reached English by 1300s as vine. 'I heard it through the grapevine' comes from telegraph wires of the 1860s. Today, vine means a climbing plant, especially a grapevine.