Arabic’s Influence on the English Language
60 English Words of Arabic Origin

The Arabic language has had a profound influence on many other languages throughout history. One of the most notable is English, which contains numerous words that originate from Arabic. This article explores 50 English words derived from Arabic, explaining their meanings and how they made their way into the English language.

In the Field of Science

Mathematics

1. Algebra
   The English word “algebra” comes from the Arabic word “al-jabr,” meaning “restoration” or “reunion of broken parts.” The term was used by the Muslim scholar Al-Khwarizmi in his 9th-century book Al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala, where he described mathematical operations for solving equations. The term passed into Latin as al-jabr, then into European languages and eventually English. Today, it represents a major branch of mathematics dealing with equations and variables.
2. Algorithm
   “Algorithm” is derived from the name of the Muslim mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, who established foundational principles of arithmetic in his works. Known for systematic techniques to solve mathematical problems, his name was Latinized into Algoritmi, which evolved into the English word “algorithm,” now referring to a step-by-step procedure for calculations or problem-solving.
3. Cipher
   “Cipher” originates from the Arabic word “ṣifr,” meaning “zero.” The concept of zero entered European languages through Latin cifra, which later evolved to mean encoded symbols or numbers. Initially denoting the numeral zero, “cipher” gradually became associated with encryption and codes.
4. Zero
   The English word “zero” also stems from the Arabic word “ṣifr,” signifying “nothing” or “emptiness.” It was translated into Latin as zephirum or cifra and eventually into English as “zero,” used today to represent the numeral 0 and the concept of nullity.

Chemistry

5. Alcohol
   “Alcohol” originates from the Arabic word al-kuḥl, initially referring to a fine powder used for cosmetic purposes. As Arabic chemistry evolved, the word expanded to describe any distilled or purified substance. It passed into Latin as alcohol and then into European languages, eventually becoming the English term for distilled liquids, particularly ethanol.
6. Alkali
   “Alkali” comes from the Arabic word al-qaly, meaning plant ash. Arab chemists used it to refer to substances that could neutralize acids. From Arabic, it entered Latin as alkali, then into European and English usage, denoting basic substances in chemistry.
7. Chemistry
   The English term “chemistry” has its roots in the Arabic al-kīmiyāʾ, which referred to the alchemical transformation of materials, especially turning base metals into gold. The word entered Latin as alchimia and was used in English as “alchemy.” With the rise of modern science in the 17th and 18th centuries, “chemistry” became a distinct experimental discipline, dropping the Arabic definite article “al-” and evolving from mystical to scientific.
8. Elixir
   “Elixir” traces back to the Arabic al-iksīr, a substance believed in Islamic alchemy to transform base metals into gold or grant eternal life. The word was translated into Latin as elixir via Arabic philosophical and scientific texts, notably through scholars like Jabir ibn Hayyan and Al-Razi. In English, it came to mean a medicinal or magical liquid, retaining its original mystical connotation.

Astronomy and Geography

9. Monsoon
   The English word “monsoon” originates from the Arabic word “mawsim” (موسم), which means “season” or “a specific time of year,” especially in maritime and trade contexts. During the Middle Ages, Arab and Muslim sailors used the word “mawsim” to refer to the seasonal winds that blow at specific times of the year in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, greatly affecting sailing and trade routes. The term was adopted into Portuguese as monção during the period of maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, then passed into Dutch as monssoen, and from there into English as monsoon in the early 16th century.
10. Nadir
    “Nadir,” meaning the point opposite the zenith or directly below the observer, is derived from the Arabic naẓīr, meaning “opposite” or “counterpart.” In Arabic astronomy, “naẓīr al-samt” referred to the point directly opposite the zenith. The Latin translation shortened this to nadir, which entered French and then English.
11. Simoom
    “Simoom” refers to a hot, dry, and dusty desert wind, derived from the Arabic word samūm, meaning “poisonous heat” or “scorching wind.” The term was common in classical Arabic poetry and geographic texts. It entered English in the 18th and 19th centuries through European writings about North Africa and Arabia.
12. Sirocco
    The English word “Sirocco”, referring to the hot, dry desert wind that blows from North Africa toward Southern Europe, originates from the Arabic word “al-sharq” (الشرق), meaning “east” or “eastern wind.” Arabs historically used this term to describe the hot winds coming from the east, particularly in Al-Andalus and other Mediterranean regions. The word first entered Italian as scirocco, then passed into French as siroco, and finally into English in its current form sirocco during the 17th and 18th centuries, a period marked by intense cultural and commercial exchange between Europe and the Arab world.  
13. Zenith
    “Zenith,” the point in the sky directly above the observer, comes from the Arabic word samt, meaning “direction” or “path.” The phrase samt al-ra’s (“direction of the head”) was mistranscribed during translation into Latin as cenit or zenit, eventually evolving into the English “zenith.”

Optics

14. Camera
    The word “camera” comes from the Arabic qumrah, referring to a darkened room. In the 10th century, Ibn al-Haytham used the concept in his studies of optics, inventing the “dark chamber” (camera obscura) where light passed through a small hole to project an image. The term entered Latin as camera obscura, and eventually evolved into “camera” in English, referring to the modern photographic device.

Textiles and Fabrics

15. Chiffon
    “Chiffon,” a lightweight, sheer fabric, comes from the French word chiffon, influenced by the Arabic root shaff, meaning “to become thin or transparent.” The term was transmitted via Spanish during the Andalusian period, then to French and English.
16. Cotton
    The English word “cotton” comes from the Arabic quṭn, referring to the cotton plant or fiber. The word entered European languages through Spanish and Latin during the medieval period.
17. Macramé
    “Macramé,” the craft of knotting cords for decorative patterns, derives from the Arabic word maqrama, meaning “embroidered fringe.” The term passed into Turkish as magrama, Italian as macramè, and then into French and English.
18. Mohair
    “Mohair” refers to a fine, glossy fabric made from the Angora goat’s hair. The word comes from Arabic mukhayyar, meaning “chosen” or “select,” and referred to luxurious, high-quality fabric. It passed through Spanish or Italian and then into French and English.
19. Muslin
    “Muslin” is a soft, lightweight cotton fabric named after the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, a medieval textile hub. European traders named the fabric after the city, leading to the term mousseline in French and “muslin” in English.
20. Sash
    “Sash” likely originates from the Arabic shāsh, a light cotton fabric used for bandages or garments. The word passed into Persian and Turkish, then English, especially during British colonial presence in India, where the fabric was worn as a sash.
21. Satin
    “Satin” derives from “Zaitun,” the Arabic name for the Chinese port city of Quanzhou, a hub for silk trade during the Middle Ages. The word entered European languages through trade routes, appearing in French as satin and then in English.

Food and Drink

22. Artichoke
    “Artichoke” stems from the Arabic al-khurshuf, the name of the edible flower. Arabs introduced the plant to Europe via Andalusia, where it became alcarchofa in Spanish, articiocco in Italian, and later artichoke in English. The word underwent phonetic changes during its journey, a process known as rebracketing.
23. Coffee
    “Coffee” comes from the Arabic qahwa, originally meaning “a drink that suppresses appetite.” It later became associated with the roasted coffee beverage developed in Yemen in the 15th century. The word traveled to Turkish (kahve), then to Italian (caffè), and finally into English.
24. Mocha
    “Mocha,” referring to a type of coffee or a coffee-chocolate blend, derives from al-Mukhā, a Yemeni port famous in the 17th century for exporting high-quality coffee. The word entered European languages via Italian or French and became associated with premium coffee.
25. Orange
    “Orange” (the fruit and color) comes from Arabic nāranj, mentioned in Islamic agricultural and medical texts. The word entered Spanish as naranja, then Old French as pomme d’orenge. A linguistic error dropped the initial “n,” producing the modern form “orange.”
26. Lemon
    The English word “lemon”, referring to the citrus fruit, traces its roots back to the Arabic word “līmūn” (ليمون). The Arabs not only transmitted the word but also introduced the cultivation of lemons to various parts of the Islamic world, especially al-Andalus (Muslim Spain). From there, the word entered Spanish and Italian as limone, then French as limon, and finally reached English as lemon during the Middle Ages.
27. Sugar
    The English word “sugar” is derived from the Arabic word “sukkar” (سُكَّر), which entered European languages during the Middle Ages, thanks to the critical role played by Arab scholars and merchants in transferring the cultivation and refining of sugar from India to the Islamic world and then to Europe. The Arabic word entered Latin as succarum, then Old French as sucre, before arriving in English.
28. Syrup
    The English word “syrup”, used to denote a thick sweet liquid, comes directly from the Arabic word “sharāb” (شراب), which means a sweet-tasting drink, often made from water and sugar or juices. The word passed from Arabic into Latin as syrupus during the Middle Ages, a period in which Arab physicians prepared medicinal syrups for therapeutic use. From Latin, it entered European languages like Old French (sirop) before reaching English. Thus, “syrup” is a clear example of a word with direct Arabic origin that entered the European lexicon through Arab medicine and pharmacology.
29. Tamarind
    The English word “tamarind”, which refers to the sour tropical fruit, directly derives from the Arabic “tamr hindī” (تمر هندي), meaning literally “date of India”. Arabs used this name to describe the fruit that resembles dates in appearance but has a sour taste and originates from India. The Arabic term entered Latin during the Middle Ages as tamarindus, then passed into French as tamarin, and finally into English. The journey of the word reflects the Arab role in transmitting botanical and medical terms from the East to Europe, making “tamarind” a clear example of an English word of direct Arabic origin.

Nature and Animals

30. Bulbul
    The English word bulbul, referring to a small bird known for its melodious song, originates from the Arabic word bulbul (بُلبُل). This bird appears frequently in classical Arabic literature as a symbol of beauty and sweet singing. The word passed from Arabic into Persian as bolbol, then into Turkish, and eventually spread to Eastern European languages and English, particularly via travelers and Orientalists in the 18th and 19th centuries. While the term likely entered English through Persian or Turkish, its linguistic and historical root is directly Arabic, making bulbul part of the Arabic linguistic heritage found in English dictionaries.
31. Camel
    The English word camel, referring to the desert animal known for its ability to endure thirst, is derived from the Arabic word jamal (جمل), a term shared across Semitic languages. It entered Latin as camelus, then passed into Old French and subsequently into English during the medieval period.
32. Carob
    The English word carob, referring to the edible pods of the carob tree used as a natural chocolate substitute, comes from the Arabic word kharrūb (خَرّوب). The word entered Spanish during the Arab presence in Andalusia as algarrobo, a term still used in modern Spanish for the carob tree. From Spanish, it transitioned into French as caroube, and then into English during the Middle Ages. Arabs were familiar with the carob tree from ancient times and used it in traditional medicine and cuisine, exporting it to Europe and helping to spread the name.
33.  Crimson
    The word “crimson” in English originates from the Arabic word “قرمز” (qirmiz). “Qirmiz” referred to a red dye extracted from cochineal insects, which was used to dye fabrics in Islamic and ancient times. The Arabic word “qirmiz” passed into European languages through trade and cultural exchange during the Middle Ages. It entered Spanish as “carmín,” then Italian as “carmine,” followed by French as “cramoisi,” and finally into English as “crimson.” In this way, “crimson” came to be used in English to refer to a rich, deep red color.
34. Gazelle
    The word gazelle in English, referring to a graceful antelope known for its speed and beautiful eyes, is derived directly from the Arabic word ghazāl (غَزال). The term was used in pre-Islamic and Islamic Arabic poetry to describe this elegant creature and often symbolized the beloved in literature. It entered Spanish as gacela during Islamic rule in Andalusia, then French as gazelle, and finally English in the 16th century. The word gazelle thus retains its poetic and ecological meaning from Arabic culture.
35. Giraffe
    The English word giraffe, denoting the long-necked, spotted African mammal, comes from the Arabic word zarāfa (زرافة). Arabs became acquainted with this animal through contact with Africa and described its swaying gait (mutazarrifa), which is believed to be the root of the name. The term passed into Italian as giraffa, then into French as girafe, and entered English in the 16th century. Hence, giraffe is an English word of direct Arabic origin via European languages.
36. Jasmine
    The English word jasmine is derived from the Arabic yāsamīn (ياسمين), which refers to the fragrant white flower. The word moved from Arabic into Persian as yāsaman (یاسمن), and from there into European languages such as French (jasmine) before reaching English. The pronunciation evolved in each language, with English adapting it phonetically as jasmine.
37. Safari
    The word safari, commonly used in English to mean a journey or expedition into the wild—especially in Africa—has its roots in the Arabic word safar (سَفَر), meaning “journey” or “travel.” The term entered Swahili, a language of East Africa that absorbed many Arabic words through trade and cultural exchange, where it became safari. It entered English in the 19th century during European colonial expeditions in Africa, retaining its association with long exploratory travel.
38. Sahara
    The English term Sahara, denoting the world’s largest hot desert, is derived directly from the Arabic word ṣaḥrā’ (صحراء), meaning “desert” or “barren land.” It entered European languages through the writings of Arab geographers and European travelers in North Africa during the Middle Ages. The word first appeared in French as Sahara, then entered English in the 17th century. Although English treats Sahara as a proper noun, its origin is a descriptive Arabic word, making it a direct Arabic loanword.

Military, Political, and Economic Terms

39. Admiral
    The English word admiral, referring to the highest-ranking naval officer, is derived from the Arabic expression amīr al-baḥr, literally meaning “commander of the sea.” The term first entered Spanish as almirante, then Italian as ammiraglio, and later French, eventually reaching English in the 14th century. In phonetic transmission, the Arabic definite article al- was dropped, and the remainder of the phrase formed almirante, which later evolved into admiral. This term was commonly used in Islamic fleets, especially during the Abbasid and Andalusian periods, to refer to naval commanders. Thus, admiral is of indirect Arabic origin, but its roots clearly trace back to the original Arabic phrase amīr al-baḥr.
40. Arsenal
    The word arsenal, now meaning a place where weapons and military equipment are made and stored, originates from the Arabic phrase dār aṣ-ṣināʿa, meaning “house of manufacturing.” This term was used during the Islamic era to refer to large workshops and weapon or ship factories, particularly in coastal cities like Alexandria, Tripoli, and Fustat. Through maritime and commercial contact between Muslims and Europe, the phrase entered Italian as arsenale or darsena, especially in Venice, which adopted the Arab model for shipbuilding. From Italian, the term spread to French and then English. Therefore, arsenal is a word of Arabic origin introduced to Europe via military and industrial terminology that flourished in Islamic civilization during the Middle Ages.
41. Caliph
    The word caliph, used in English to refer to the spiritual and political leader of Muslims after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is directly taken from the Arabic word khalīfa, meaning “successor” or “deputy.” It entered Latin as calipha, then French as calife, and finally English during the 12th and 13th centuries, coinciding with increased European interest in the Islamic world during and after the Crusades. In Arabic, khalīfa was the title of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and later the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman caliphs. Thus, caliph is a directly borrowed Arabic word used in historical and political contexts.
42. Cheque
    The word cheque (spelled check in American English), referring to a financial document used to withdraw money from a bank account, derives from the Arabic word ṣakk, which in the Abbasid era referred to written financial documents used for transferring money between regions without carrying physical currency. The term indirectly entered Europe through Islamic trade and banking practices, especially in Sicily and al-Andalus. It then spread to Latin as saccus or cheque and to Old French as eschequier (also related to chess and the concept of “checking” or “stopping”). The modern financial meaning of cheque was established in English by the 17th century.
43. Tariff
    The English word tariff, meaning a schedule of customs duties or taxes on imported or exported goods, originates from the Arabic taʿrīfa or taʿrīf, meaning “a list” or “declaration” of goods and their prices or duties. The word entered Spanish as tarifa due to trade with Arabs in al-Andalus, particularly from the Moroccan port city of Tarifa. From Spanish, it spread to French (tarif) and then to English. Thus, tariff is of Arabic origin and derived from administrative and commercial terms used in the Islamic world.

Sports

44. Checkmate
    The word checkmate in chess, signifying the defeat of the king, stems from the Arabic phrase kashsh malik, meaning “the king is threatened.” Arabs introduced chess and its terminology to Europe during the Middle Ages, especially in al-Andalus. The phrase passed into Latin and then French as échec et mat, and finally into English as checkmate. Although the original root is Persian (shāh māt, meaning “the king is dead”), the Arabic version kashsh malik served as the direct linguistic and cultural conduit into European languages.
45. Racket
    The word racket, used for the sports paddle or bat in games like tennis or badminton, is believed to be related to the Arabic phrase rāḥat al-yad (“palm of the hand”), referring to the open hand used to strike a ball in early ball games. The word entered French in the Middle Ages as raquette, and from there to English as racket. Some historians argue the word was borrowed via Italian or French from Arabic, as racquet-like games were played in the Islamic East before spreading to Europe. The similarity with rāḥa (meaning palm) supports this etymology, although it remains likely but not conclusively proven.

Architecture and Construction

46. Adobe
    The English word adobe, referring to sun-dried brick made of mud and straw, originates from the Arabic al-ṭūb, meaning “brick.” The word was borrowed into Spanish during Islamic rule in al-Andalus (711–1492 CE), where it became adobe, dropping the definite article al- (a common feature in Spanish borrowings from Arabic). From Spanish, it entered English in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in reference to traditional architecture in hot climates like Latin America and the southwestern United States.
47. Alcove
    The word “alcove” in English originates from the Arabic word “القوف” (al-quff). The Arabic term “القوف” referred to a recessed or low space within a wall or part of a room. This word was transferred to Spanish as “alcoba,” then to French as “alcôve,” and finally to English. The term refers to a space within a room or wall, often a small nook or recess.
48. Castle
    The English word castle is ultimately related to the Arabic word qaṣr, used during the Middle Ages to refer to fortified royal buildings or palaces. The word evolved into Latin as castellum (meaning “small fort”), then entered European languages such as French, and eventually English as castle. Thus, the transition occurred through Islamic and European cultural exchange.
49. Mosque
    The English word mosque is directly derived from the Arabic masjid, meaning “place of prostration,” from the root s-j-d, which denotes the act of prostration in prayer. The word entered European languages through Spanish mezquita, and from there spread to French and English.

Home and Furniture

50. Jar
    The English word jar comes from the Arabic jarra, which referred to a ceramic or earthenware container used for storing water or food. During the Middle Ages, these containers were introduced to Europe by the Arabs. The word passed through Latin as garia and eventually became jar in English. Phonetic and grammatical transformations changed the form, but the original meaning remained intact in many cultures.
51. Magazine
    The English word magazine, now referring to periodicals or ammunition storage, is derived from the Arabic word makhzan, meaning “storehouse.” The term entered European languages via Italian magazzino and Spanish almacén (retaining the Arabic al-). Initially, it referred to physical storage locations, especially military depots. Later, the term evolved in English to also denote repositories of information—thus, the modern usage of magazine for printed publications.
52. Mattress
    The English word mattress, referring to a bed or sleeping cushion, comes from the Arabic maṭraḥ, meaning “a place to lie down or throw oneself.” During the Middle Ages, the term passed into Italian as materasso, then into French as matelas, and finally into English as mattress, retaining its connotation of rest and sleep.
53. Sofa
    The word sofa, meaning a cushioned bench or seat, derives from the Arabic ṣuffa, referring to an elevated platform or cushioned place to sit. It passed into Persian and then Turkish as sofa, before being adopted by European languages such as French and English in the 17th century. In Arabic architecture, ṣuffa also referred to shaded or raised seating areas, such as the ṣuffat al-masjid. Thus, the English sofa has clear roots in Arabic, with influence from Islamic, Persian, and Ottoman traditions.

Jewelry and Gemstones

54. Amber
    The English word amber, referring to the golden resinous substance, derives from the Arabic ʿanbar, originally denoting ambergris, a fragrant material from sperm whales. The word passed into Latin as ambar, then French ambre, and entered English in the 14th century. Over time, amber came to refer also to fossilized tree resin due to similarities in color and scent, despite the different materials. Therefore, amber is directly of Arabic origin, with expanded meaning in European languages.
    
55. Carat
    The English word carat, a unit for weighing gemstones like diamonds, comes from the Arabic qīrāṭ, which originally referred to carob seeds used as weight standards. The term entered Latin as caratium or karat, then spread into European languages such as French and Italian as carat, and was adopted into English accordingly.
    
56. Jewel
    The English word jewel, meaning a precious gem or ornament, can be traced back to the Arabic jawāhir, plural of jāhira (jewel). The word moved through Latin as jocale (a decorative object), then Old French jouel, and finally into English in the 13th century. Arabic influence on gem trading and craftsmanship helped cement this terminology in European languages. Though the word’s path is complex, the Arabic root is evident in both form and meaning.

Culture and music 

57. Coffin
    The English word “coffin” originates from the Arabic word “كفن” (kafan). The Arabic word “kafan” refers to the cloth or covering used to wrap the dead before burial. When the Arabic word entered European languages through translation and cultural exchange during the Middle Ages, it evolved in several languages. Initially, the word was used to refer to the shroud or covering used for corpses, and it then transferred to Spanish as “cofa” or “coffin,” and later to French as “coffin.” Eventually, the word entered English, taking on the meaning of a box or container in which a deceased person is placed before burial.
58. Mummy
    The word “mummy” in English comes from the Arabic word “مومياء” (mūmyāʾ). The Arabic word “mūmyāʾ” was originally used to refer to the embalming substance used to preserve corpses in ancient Egypt, which was derived from resin or pitch. When the word entered European languages through cultural and scholarly exchanges in the Middle Ages, it was adapted. Initially, it was used by Europeans to refer to the embalmed bodies they discovered in Egypt and other regions, and over time, it came to be synonymous with the preserved bodies themselves. The word entered Latin as “mumia,” then to Italian as “mumia,” from there to French as “momie,” and eventually to English as “mummy,” becoming a term for the preserved corpse discovered during that era.
59. Guitar
    The word “guitar” in English is derived from the Arabic word “قِيثَارَة” (qīṭārah). The qīṭārah was a well-known stringed musical instrument in ancient Arab culture, and this word passed through several cultures. Initially, Arabs used the word “qīṭārah” to refer to stringed instruments, which were influenced by Persian and Indian musical instruments. The word then entered European languages through trade and translation during the Middle Ages, reaching Spanish as “guitarra.” From Spanish, it moved to French, and later to English, where it became “guitar” to refer to the stringed musical instrument known today.
60. Tambourine
    The English word “tambourine” traces its origins back to the Arabic word “ṭunbūr” (طنبور), which refers to a type of long-necked string instrument. This term passed into Middle Persian as “tambūr”, then into Old French as “tambour”, meaning “drum.” The diminutive form “tambourin” in French referred to a small drum, and from there, the word entered English as “tambourine”. While the original “ṭunbūr” was a stringed instrument, over time, the term evolved in European languages to denote a percussion instrument. This evolution reflects the cultural exchanges and adaptations of musical instruments across regions and eras.​

Conclusion

This linguistic overview clearly reveals the profound and enduring influence of Arabic on global languages, especially English. This influence is not coincidental, but a direct result of Arab leadership during the height of their civilization, when cities like Baghdad, Cordoba, and Fez were global centers of knowledge and innovation. Arab scholars contributed significantly to medicine, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy—sciences that were transmitted to Europe through translation and cultural contact, carrying with them Arabic vocabulary that survived linguistic transformations. Language, as a vessel of knowledge, preserves this history of innovation and exchange, and the presence of Arabic-origin words in modern European dictionaries is a living testimony to the Arabs’ civilizational primacy and their role in shaping human progress.