Skip to content

Arabic Loanwords in English

1 / 15

The word 'cotton' is believed to derive from the Arabic word 'qutn.' What was the Arabic-speaking world known for in relation to cotton?

About Arabic Loanwords in English

Discover English words that trace their roots back to the Arabic language — from algebra to zero! This free word games activity is built for older adults who want clear, readable browser-based games without sign-up friction.

Word games are useful for vocabulary, reading confidence, and language-focused problem-solving at a comfortable pace. This quiz includes 15 questions, so it works well as a quick session or as part of a longer brain-training routine. A printable version is available if you prefer offline play or want to share the game at home, in a classroom, or in a group setting.

About Arabic Loanwords in English

Arabic Loanwords in English is a free word games quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty. Discover English words that trace their roots back to the Arabic language — from algebra to zero! A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.

A few sample questions

  1. 1. The word 'algebra' comes from the Arabic 'al-jabr.' What does 'al-jabr' roughly translate to?

    Answer: The reunion of broken parts

  2. 2. Which common English word for a type of fabric comes from the Arabic city name 'Dimashq' (Damascus)?

    Answer: Damask

  3. 3. The English word 'zero' ultimately derives from which Arabic word?

    Answer: Sifr

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in Arabic Loanwords in English?

Arabic Loanwords in English has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.

Is Arabic Loanwords in English free to play?

Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Arabic Loanwords in English — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.

How long does Arabic Loanwords in English take?

Most players finish Arabic Loanwords in English in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.

What's a good follow-up after Arabic Loanwords in English?

If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.

More Word Games