'alveolar' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'alveolus,' where 'alveus' meant 'cavity' or 'hollow.'

'alveolus' transformed into the English word 'alveolar,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alveolars' as a plural form.

Initially, it meant 'related to a cavity or hollow,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'related to the alveolar ridge in speech sounds.'