Jersey
/ˈdʒɜːr.zi/noun
A knitted wool garment or shirt, especially one worn by athletes.
Did you know?The clothing word comes from Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, because the island was famous for its knitted wool goods; the island name itself is ancient and likely of Brittonic or Norse origin, but the garment sense is a straightforward place-name transfer.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient/Medieval
Brittonic/Norse
unknown
“The island name Jersey developed from an older local or Norse place-name, but its earliest form is not securely known.”
12th Century
Latin
Jersey
“The Channel Island is recorded in medieval sources under forms referring to the island itself.”
16th Century
English
jersey
“A woolen cloth or knitted garment associated with the island’s textile production.”
18th-19th Century
English
jersey
“A close-fitting knitted shirt or sweater, especially a sailor’s or sports garment.”
Modern English
English
jersey
“A sports shirt or a knitted wool garment.”