Millinery
/ˈmɪl.ɪ.nər.i/noun
The business or trade of making or selling women’s hats and headwear.
Did you know?Millinery comes from Milan, whose name passed through trade language into English as a label for imported luxury goods, showing how a city can become a word.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
Mediolanum
“The ancient name of Milan, later the source of the city’s modern name.”
Old French
Old French
Milan
“Milan, the Italian city associated with luxury goods and fashion.”
16th Century
English
milener / millaner
“A dealer in goods from Milan, especially ribbons, lace, and fashionable items.”
17th Century
English
milliner
“A seller of women’s hats and fashionable accessories.”
18th Century
English
millinery
“The trade or business of making and selling women’s hats.”