genre

/ˈʒɒn.rə/ French Origin Arts

Original Word

genre

French

Entered English

19th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "genre"

From French 'genre', meaning kind or type, from Latin 'genus'. Adopted into English literary criticism in the 19th century to categorize works of art, literature, and music.

Example Usage

"Science fiction is her favorite genre of books."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

avant-garde — avant-garde Arts · Early 20th century debut — début Arts · 18th century silhouette — silhouette Arts · 18th century déjà vu — déjà-vu Psychology · Early 20th century entrepreneur — entrepreneur Business · 19th century fiancé — fiancé Culture · 19th century café — café Food & Drink · 19th century restaurant — restaurant Food & Drink · 19th century