'anthill' originates from Old English, specifically a compound of the elements 'ǣmette' (ant) and 'hyll' (hill).

'anthill' developed from the Old English compound 'ǣmette-hyll', through Middle English forms such as 'ant-hill' or 'antþill', and eventually became the modern English 'anthill'.

Initially it meant 'a hill or mound associated with ants' and over time it has retained this literal meaning; it is also used metaphorically to describe very busy places.