Dollar
/ˈdɑː.lɚ/noun
A unit of currency used in several countries, especially the United States.
Did you know?“Dollar” ultimately traces back to the Joachimsthaler, a silver coin from the Bohemian valley of Joachimsthal, and its name spread across Europe as coinage, not magic, did.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
German
Joachimsthaler
“A silver coin from Joachimsthal, literally "from Joachim's valley."”
16th Century
German
Thaler
“A shortened form of Joachimsthaler, meaning a silver coin from the valley.”
16th-17th Century
Dutch
Daalder
“A Dutch form of thaler, used for a large silver coin.”
17th Century
English
Dollar
“Borrowed from Dutch and German coin names for a large silver coin.”
18th Century
American English
Dollar
“Adopted as the standard name for the U.S. monetary unit.”
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