About This Foreign Loan Words in English Word Search
Discover the fascinating, globetrotting origins of the English language with this Free Printable Foreign Loan Words in English Word Search Puzzle. Highlighting 15 everyday words borrowed from world languages—including Ballet, Safari, Kindergarten, Origami, Fiesta, and Bazaar—this worksheet reveals how cultures share speech.
Clean 8.5×11" printable format with a full solution key on Page 2, or solve interactively on tablets!
15 Vocabulary Words Included
Here are the 15 words hidden inside this puzzle, along with their thematic definitions for classroom discussions:
BALLET
A classical theatrical dance form originated in the Renaissance, borrowed directly from French.
SAFARI
An expedition to observe wild animals in East Africa, borrowed from the Swahili word meaning 'journey'.
KINDERGARTEN
A school or class for young children, borrowed from German meaning 'children's garden'.
ORIGAMI
The traditional Japanese art of paper folding, from 'ori' (folded) and 'kami' (paper).
FIESTA
A festive party or celebration, borrowed from Spanish.
BAZAAR
A lively marketplace consisting of a street of stalls, borrowed from Persian.
GURU
A spiritual teacher or trusted master advisor, borrowed from Sanskrit.
TYPHOON
A severe tropical cyclone in the western Pacific, borrowed from Cantonese 'tai fung' (great wind).
CHOCOLATE
A sweet confection made from cacao beans, originating from the ancient Aztec Nahuatl word 'xocolatl'.
AVALANCHE
A mass of snow and ice tumbling rapidly down a mountain, borrowed from French.
YOGA
A Hindu spiritual and physical discipline of breath control and postures, borrowed from Sanskrit.
PAJAMA
Loose-fitting clothing worn for sleeping, borrowed from Hindi/Urdu 'paejama' (leg garment).
CANOE
A narrow watercraft pointed at both ends, borrowed into Spanish from the indigenous Taíno word 'canoa'.
ROBOT
An automated machine, coined by Czech writer Karel Čapek in 1920 from the Slavic word 'robota' (forced labor).
ETCHING
An artistic print made by drawing on an acid-resistant metal plate, borrowed from Dutch 'etsen' (to eat away).
3 Fun Ways to Use This Printable in the Classroom
Make the most of this worksheet with these creative lesson and activity ideas:
- Loan Word World Map Connect: Draw lines from each borrowed English word to its country of linguistic origin on a world map.
- English Etymology Dictionary Hunt: Have students look up origin etymologies of common household words (ketchup, shampoo, barbecue) to discover surprising origins.
- Borrowed Word Menu: Create an imaginary dinner menu highlighting foods with global name origins (pasta, salsa, curry, sushi).
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of English words are borrowed from other languages?
Over 80% of the English language is borrowed or adapted from other languages, especially Latin, French, Germanic tongues, and global contacts!
Does the download include an answer key?
Yes, Page 2 features the full highlighted solution grid.
Is this puzzle free for schools and libraries?
Yes, 100% free to print and photocopy for educational lessons.