marbles etymology

Etymology and Origin of "Marbles"

The word "marbles" comes from the Middle English word "marbel," which is itself derived from the Old French word "marbre" and the Latin word "marmor."

The ultimate origin of "marmor" is the Greek word "marmaros," which refers to the shining, white stone used in sculpture and architecture. The Greek word is thought to be onomatopoeic, derived from the sound of the stone when it is struck.

Meaning of "Marbles"

In its primary sense, "marbles" refers to small, round glass or stone balls that are used in children's games such as marbles, marbleslides, and ring toss.

Other meanings of "marbles" include:

  • A type of limestone that is often used in construction: This type of marble is typically white or cream-colored and has a crystalline texture.
  • A small, round object made of any material: For example, a marble can refer to a bead or a small piece of candy.
  • A state of temporary unconsciousness caused by a sudden loss of blood: This usage is mainly found in historical contexts, referring to the condition known as "marble death."

marbles relate terms

  • furniture

    Etymology The word furniture comes from the Old French word fourniture which means

  • furnish

    Etymology The word furnish is derived from the Old French word furnir which means t

  • marble

    Etymology The word marble comes from the Latin word marmor which is derived from the

  • marbles

    Etymology and Origin of Marbles The word marbles comes from the Middle English word

  • knuckle

    Etymology The word knuckle is derived from the Old English word cnucl which referred

  • keep

    Etymology Derived from the Middle English word kepen meaning to hold or guard Me

  • serpentine

    Etymology The word serpentine comes from the Latin word serpens which means serpen

  • Easter

    Etymology The word Easter originated from the Old English word Eostre which was the

  • play

    Etymology The word play derives from the Middle English plaien which itself originat

  • ball

    Etymology French balle Latin palla ball Meaning and Origin The word ball come

  • ramble

    Etymology The word ramble originates from the Old French word rambler meaning to g

  • rock

    Etymology The word rock originates from the Old English word rocc which meant a la

  • cork

    Etymology The word cork derives from the Latin word cortex which means bark Mea

  • sculpture

    Etymology The word sculpture derives from the Latin word sculpere meaning to carve