'adobe' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'aṭ-ṭūb,' where 'aṭ-' meant 'the' and 'ṭūb' meant 'brick.'

'aṭ-ṭūb' transformed into the Spanish word 'adobe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adobe' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'brick,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sun-dried brick made of clay and straw.'