internship
/ˈɪntɜːrnʃɪp/
noun
Origin
English
intern — one who is enclosed or inside
Overview
Meaning Now
- A period of work experience offered by an organization for a limited period of time.
- The position or role held by an intern during such a period.
Language path
English → Modern English
Earliest form
internship
Earliest period
Late 19th to early 20th century
Journey
The term 'intern' comes from the Latin 'internus' (within). While the concept of apprenticeship has existed for centuries, the specific term 'internship' gained prominence alongside the formalization of professional medical training and later the expansion of corporate career paths.
Evolution
- Late 19th century
intern
“a student or trainee practicing medicine under supervision”
Originally used almost exclusively in medical contexts
- 20th century
internship
“a period of professional training”
Expanded from medical fields to general business and professional sectors
Connections
Word parts
intern
root
trainee or one who is within a professional setting
-ship
suffix
state, condition, or period of being
Explore next
Related to internship
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.