Mappa
/ˈmæp.ə/noun
A cloth, napkin, or tablecloth; in later historical usage, a map or cloth chart.
Did you know?Latin *mappa* was borrowed into several European languages, and its descendant *map* likely developed through the idea of a chart drawn on cloth or a cloth-like sheet.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Carthage / Punic contact
Punic
mappa
“A cloth or napkin; likely a loanword entering Latin from a North African Semitic source.”
Classical Latin
Latin
mappa
“A napkin, cloth, or tablecloth.”
Late Latin
Latin
mappa
“A cloth used for display or carrying, and in some contexts a chart or cloth sheet.”
Old French
Old French
mappe
“A cloth or table covering; later influenced forms connected with charts and plans.”
Middle English
English
map
“A chart or representation of a region on a flat surface.”
Modern English
English
map
“A visual representation of an area, usually on a flat surface.”
Explore more surprising origins