kitchen

architecture

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The word "kitchen" originates from the Latin verb "coquere," meaning "to cook." This evolved through Latin's "coquina" into Old English "cycene," then Middle English "kichene," and finally the modern English "kitchen".1

Historically, the kitchen was a central room in the home, often featuring a fireplace. Over time, it evolved to include stoves, cupboards, sinks, and plate racks. Modern home kitchens are typically smaller and equipped with appliances, while institutional kitchens have become much larger. Outdoor cooking equipment, like grills, is also considered part of modern kitchen furnishings.2

This summary is created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

construction
Interior finishes
In wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, water-resistant gypsum board is used, sometimes with the addition of adhesive-applied ceramic tile.
Read More
In wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, water-resistant gypsum board is used, sometimes with the addition of adhesive-applied ceramic tile.
Read More

furniture
Kitchen furniture and furnishings
Kitchen furniture and furnishings go back to antiquity. In the Middle Ages, the kitchen, with its fireplace, was the most centrally placed room in the home. Later, closed fireplaces were constructed in the form of stoves; and cupboards, sinks, and plate…
Read More
Kitchen furniture and furnishings go back to antiquity. In the Middle Ages, the kitchen, with its fireplace, was the most centrally placed room in the home. Later, closed fireplaces were constructed in the form of stoves; and cupboards, sinks, and plate…
Read More