'Buddhism' originates from 'English', specifically from the word 'Buddha' (the title of Siddhartha Gautama) combined with the suffix '-ism', where 'Buddha' meant 'the enlightened one' and '-ism' denotes a system or practice.

'Buddhism' was formed in the early 19th century in English, based on the earlier use of 'Buddha' and the suffix '-ism', and eventually became the modern English word 'Buddhism'.

Initially, it meant 'the religion or philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.