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Where does the word "voyage" come from? It comes from Latin viaticum, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "voyage" come from? It comes from Latin viaticum, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Voyage’s story begins in Latin: viaticum meant “provisions for a journey.” Provisions for a journey, from via (a road, a way). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as voiage. Carried into French for a journey, especially by sea. It reached English by 1200s as voyage. Settled as the English word for a long journey, especially by sea or in space. Today, voyage means a long journey, especially one made by sea or in space.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient viaticum "provisions for a journey", provisions for a journey, from via (a road, a way).
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval voiage "a journey, especially by sea", carried into French for a journey, especially by sea.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s voyage "a long journey, especially by sea or in space", settled as the English word for a long journey, especially by sea or in space.