Mural
/ˈmjʊə.rəl/noun
A large painting or other artwork applied directly to a wall or ceiling.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin murus, meaning “wall,” the same ancient root behind words for fortifications and city walls, which is why murals feel so permanently tied to place.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mei-
“to build, fix, or bind together”
Latin
Latin
murus
“a wall, especially a defensive wall”
Late Latin
Latin
muralis
“of or pertaining to a wall”
Middle French
Old French
mural
“wall-like; relating to a wall”
16th Century
English
mural
“pertaining to a wall”
19th Century
English
mural
“a wall painting”