camouflage

/ˈkæm.ə.flɑːʒ/ French Origin Military

Original Word

camouflage

French

Entered English

Early 20th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "camouflage"

From French 'camouflage', from 'camoufler' (to disguise), from Italian 'camuffare'. The military term was coined during WWI when artists were hired to design concealing patterns for troops and equipment. Now used broadly for any form of disguise.

Example Usage

"The soldier's camouflage uniform helped them blend into the forest."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

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