Envelope
/ˈen.və.loʊp/noun
A flat paper container used to enclose a letter or document.
Did you know?Envelope ultimately connects to the Latin verb volvere, “to roll,” the same root behind volume—because early books were commonly made from rolled manuscripts.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“To turn, roll, or wrap around”
Classical Latin
Latin
involvere
“To roll in, wrap up, or envelop”
Vulgar Latin
Latin
*involupare
“To wrap or fold around; reconstructed ancestor of the French form”
12th Century
Old French
envoluper
“To wrap around, surround, or conceal”
16th Century
French
enveloppe
“A wrapper or covering”
17th Century
English
envelope
“A paper wrapper for enclosing a letter or document”