'adobe' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'al-tūb,' where 'al-' meant 'the' and 'tūb' meant 'brick.'

'al-tūb' transformed into the Spanish word 'adobe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adobe' through Spanish influence.

Initially, it meant 'brick,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a building material made from earth and organic materials.'