When you say 'macramé' are you speaking Arabic?

'Macramé' is a word borrowed from Arabic 'miqrama'. The word entered the English language some time around 1865.

macramé [noun] [1865]

• a coarse lace or fringe made by knotting threads or cords in a geometrical pattern
• the art of tying knots in patterns

Meaning: a coarse lace or fringe made by knotting threads or cords in a geometrical pattern; the art of tying knots in patterns.

Etymology: French or Italian; French macrame; from Italian macrame; from Turkish makrama napkin; towel; from Arabic miqrama coverlet.

Topics: Materials:Textiles.

Origin: From Arabic to English.

See 'macramé' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Arabic.

See more loan words from 1800s.