'anthology' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anthologia', where 'anthos' meant 'flower' and 'logia' (from 'legein') meant 'collection' or 'gathering'.

'anthology' changed from the Greek word 'anthologia' into Medieval/Latin forms (e.g. Latin 'anthologia') and Old French influences, later appearing in Middle English as 'anthologie', and eventually became the modern English word 'anthology'.

Initially it meant 'a gathering/collection of flowers' (used metaphorically), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a collected selection of literary works'.