'anneloid' originates from New Latin, specifically the taxonomic group name 'Annelida', where Latin 'annellus' (diminutive of 'annulus') meant 'little ring'.

'anneloid' developed from New Latin 'Annelida' (from Latin 'annellus'/'annulus') and entered English alongside related forms such as 'annelid'; the '-oid' suffix (from Greek '-oeidēs') was added in English/Neo-Latin formation to mean 'resembling'.

Initially related to the notion of 'ringed' or 'small rings' (reflecting the segmented/ringed bodies), and over time the meaning evolved into the modern sense of 'resembling or pertaining to segmented worms (annelids)'.