Is 'freight' English, or is it actually Dutch?

'Freight' is a word borrowed from Dutch 'vracht'. The word entered the English language some time around the 15th century.

freight [noun] [15th century]

• the compensation paid for the transportation of goods
• cost
• goods to be shipped
• cargo
• load

Meaning: the compensation paid for the transportation of goods; cost help pay the freight; goods to be shipped : cargo.

Etymology: Middle English; from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German vracht; vrecht.

Topics: Maritime:Nautical, Travel:Transport, Economy:Finance.

Origin: From Dutch to German to English.

note: The word freight comes from Middle English freghte borrowed from Middle Dutch vracht or Middle Low German vracht meaning cargo or transport fee ultimately tracing to Proto-Germanic roots for property (aihti-) and away (fra-). It entered English around the 15th century initially for ship transport evolving from terms for payment for carriage to the goods themselves and the act of transport.

See 'freight' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Dutch.

See more loan words from 1400s.