jasmine
/ˈdʒæzmɪn/
noun
Origin
Persian
yāsmin — a fragrant shrub
Overview
Meaning Now
- A plant of the genus Jasminum, typically having fragrant white or yellow flowers.
- A light yellow or cream colour, similar to the jasmine flower.
Language path
Old Persian → Persian → Arabic → Middle French → English
Earliest form
jessemine
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The jasmine plant was prized throughout the ancient Near East for its intense, sweet fragrance. It entered the European lexicon primarily through Mediterranean trade routes where Arabic botanical knowledge influenced Western horticultural vocabulary.
Evolution
- Old Persian
yāsmin
“fragrant flower”
Original source word.
- Arabic
yāsamīn
“jasmine”
Adopted through cultural contact.
- Middle French
jasmin
“jasmine”
Introduced to Europe via trade routes.
- Early Modern English
jessemine
“jasmine”
First recorded English appearance.
- Modern English
jasmine
“jasmine”
Current standard spelling.
Connections
Word parts
jasmine
root
fragrant climbing plant
Related across languages
Arabic
yāsamīn
jasmine
French
jasmin
jasmine
Spanish
jazmín
jasmine
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.