Definition of the word passenger

The word "passenger" has its roots in the Latin words "passare," meaning "to pass through," and "gergere," meaning "to carry." In the 15th century, both words were combined to create the term "passager," which referred to someone who was carried or conveyed through a place, often in a vehicle. Over time, the spelling evolved into "passenger," and the term gained broader applications, encompassing not just those who rode in horse-drawn carriages but also those who traveled by sea, land, and air. Today, a passenger is typically defined as someone who pays for transportation, such as a train, bus, or airline ticket, but the original Latin roots of the word evoke the idea of being carried or conveyed through space.