Words in English that come from Arabic
English is often described as a “borrowing” language—and it’s true! While many English words come from Latin, French, and Germanic roots, there’s another rich source that’s often overlooked: Arabic.
You might be surprised to learn that some of the everyday words you use—especially in science, math, food, and trade—were originally Arabic. These words made their way into English during the Middle Ages, mainly through trade, scholarship, and translations of classical texts.
Let’s explore some of the most fascinating English words with Arabic origins and how they got into the language.
🧪 1. Science & Mathematics
During the Islamic Golden Age (8th–13th centuries), Arabic-speaking scholars led the world in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Many of their discoveries were later translated into Latin and passed on to Europe—and English.
Common words:
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algebra – from al-jabr, meaning “reunion of broken parts” (a mathematical term from the 9th-century scholar al-Khwarizmi)
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algorithm – from al-Khwarizmi’s name itself!
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zero – from ṣifr (cipher), meaning “empty” or “nothing”
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chemistry – from al-kīmiyāʼ, referring to early alchemy
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elixir – from al-iksīr, meaning a substance thought to transform metals into gold
🍊 2. Food & Drink
Trade between the Middle East and Europe introduced exotic foods, spices, and cooking techniques. Some names stuck—and still appear in modern English.
Common words:
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coffee – from Arabic qahwa, via Turkish and Italian
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sugar – from Arabic sukkar, originally from Sanskrit
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syrup – from sharāb, meaning a sweet drink
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lemon – from Arabic laymūn, also with Persian roots
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orange – passed through Arabic nāranj from Persian and Sanskrit
🛠️ 3. Trade, Tools & Everyday Items
As Europe traded with the Islamic world, many objects and goods were introduced along with their Arabic names.
Common words:
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admiral – from amīr al-baḥr, meaning “commander of the sea”
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tariff – from ta‘ārīf, meaning a list of fees or taxes
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magazine – from makhāzin, meaning storehouses
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sofa – from ṣuffa, meaning a raised platform or bench
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cotton – from quṭn, a major export of the Arab world
🧕 4. Religion, Culture & Literature
Some Arabic terms entered English through religion or literature, especially during the Crusades and the expansion of trade and exploration.
Common words:
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imam – a Muslim religious leader
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mosque – from masjid, meaning place of worship
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harem – from ḥarīm, referring to a private family area or group of women
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sultan – a ruler or king
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caliph – from khalīfa, meaning successor (of the Prophet Muhammad)
🎯 Why Does This Matter for English Learners?
Understanding where English words come from can:
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Help you recognize patterns in vocabulary
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Make words easier to memorize
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Show you how languages and cultures influence one another
For speakers of Arabic or learners of Arabic, this can also make English feel more familiar than expected!
💡 Fun Fact
Many English words that start with “al-“ are Arabic in origin!
Why? Because “al” is the Arabic definite article, meaning “the.”
Examples:
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alcohol
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algebra
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alchemy
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almanac
✅ Final Thoughts
Arabic has quietly shaped many parts of the English language, especially in science, trade, and culture. These words are a reminder of how knowledge travels across time, borders, and languages.
So the next time you drink coffee, solve an algebra problem, or sit on a sofa, give a little nod to the Arabic language—it’s more present in English than you think!