'almirah' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'armário', where 'arma' meant 'weapon' and '-ário' was a suffix used for storage or place.

'armário' transformed into the Hindi word 'अलमारी (almārī),' and eventually became the modern English word 'almirah' through colonial influence.

Initially, it meant 'a place to store weapons,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a cupboard or wardrobe for storing clothes and other items.'