What language does the word rocket come from?

The word "rocket" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "roquette" and referred to a spinning top.

The word then evolved into Middle English as "roket", which still had the meaning of a spinning top.

However, the association with the modern-day meaning of a propelled vehicle came later, likely due to the resemblance of the spinning top to the motion of a firework. This link was then expanded to include the modern rocket that uses propulsion.

So, although the word itself originated in Old French, its current meaning is derived from a combination of its original meaning and the association with fireworks.