'allspice' originates from the English language, specifically from the combination of 'all' and 'spice', where 'all' meant 'entire' and 'spice' referred to 'aromatic substances used for flavoring'.

'allspice' was coined in the 17th century by English explorers who believed the spice combined the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Initially, it was used to describe a spice that combined multiple flavors, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.