Cupid
/ˈkjuː.pɪd/noun
A figure from Roman mythology, often depicted as a winged child, associated with love and desire.
Did you know?In ancient mythology, Cupid was originally a primordial god of erotic love, often associated with darker forms of desire and chaos.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ku̯e̯p-
“to grasp or seize, often in a passionate or emotional context.”
Latin
Latin
cupido
“a desire or longing, especially in a romantic or passionate sense.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
Cupidus
“eager or desirous, often referring to love and longing.”
Old French
Old French
cupid
“a representation of love, typically in human form, often depicted as a child.”
Modern English
English
Cupid
“the personification of love, commonly represented as a winged child with a bow and arrows.”
Explore more surprising origins