Camelot
/ˈkæm.ə.lɒt/noun
The legendary castle and court of King Arthur, or a place idealized as a center of romance and nobility.
Did you know?The name Camelot is first securely attested in French Arthurian literature, and its exact origin is uncertain—scholars have proposed links to real British place-names rather than a single “ancient magical” root.
Etymological Timeline
12th Century
Old French
Camaalot / Camalot
“The legendary seat of King Arthur in romance literature”
Late 12th Century
Latin
Camelotum
“Latinized form used by medieval writers”
Possible earlier source
Brittonic
Camulodunon
“A likely place-name candidate meaning roughly 'fort of Camulos' (proposed, not certain)”
Ancient Celtic
Gaulish
Camulos
“A Celtic war god's name, possibly connected to some proposed place-name origins”
Modern English
English
Camelot
“Arthur's legendary court; by extension, an idealized golden age or noble center”
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