marina
/məˈriːnə/
noun
Origin
Latin
mare — sea
Overview
Meaning Now
- A specially designed harbor with docks, moorings, and sometimes services for small boats and yachts.
Literal older meaning
related to the sea
Language path
Latin → Italian → English
Earliest form
marina
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term originates from the Latin 'marinus'. In Mediterranean languages, 'marina' often referred broadly to the seacoast or coastal region. Its specific modern meaning—a specialized facility for recreational boating—developed significantly during the 20th century as yachting became more widespread.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*mori-
“body of water, sea”
- Latin
marinus
“of or belonging to the sea”
Adjective form derived from mare.
- Italian
marina
“seacoast, seaside”
Feminine singular of marino.
- English
marina
“a dock or basin for small craft”
Adopted from Italian/Spanish maritime contexts in the 17th century.
Connections
Word parts
marin-
root
sea
-a
ending
feminine noun suffix
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Related to marina
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.