'anthoecology' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'anthos' and 'oikos' combined with the modern suffix '-logy', where 'anthos' meant 'flower' and 'oikos' meant 'house, environment'.

'anthoecology' was formed in modern scientific English by joining the Greek-derived combining form 'antho-' (from 'anthos') with 'ecology' (from Greek 'oikos' + '-logia' via New Latin). It arose as a specialized botanical term in scientific literature from the late 19th to 20th centuries.

Initially used to denote the study or description of flowers in their surroundings, it has retained that core sense and now specifically refers to the ecological study of flowers and their interactions (e.g., with pollinators and abiotic factors).