'admiral' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'amir al-bahr,' where 'amir' meant 'commander' and 'al-bahr' meant 'of the sea.'

'amir al-bahr' transformed into the Old French word 'amiral,' and eventually became the modern English word 'admiral' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'commander of the sea,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a high-ranking naval officer.'