Cambrai
/kɑ̃.bʁɛ/noun
A city in northern France, historically an important episcopal and textile center.
Did you know?Cambrai gave its name to cambric, the fine linen cloth once prized across Europe, because the city became famous for producing and trading it.
Etymological Timeline
Roman era
Latin
Camaracum
“The Roman settlement name for the area, probably referring to a local place-name of pre-Latin origin.”
Early Middle Ages
Late Latin
Cameracum
“A later Latinized form used for the town and bishopric.”
Old French
Old French
Cambrai
“The medieval French form of the city name.”
Middle English
English
cambric
“Fine linen cloth associated with Cambrai.”
Modern English
English
Cambrai
“The modern French name of the city.”
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