'antiphonary' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'antiphonarium', where 'antiphona' (from Greek 'antiphōna') meant 'antiphon' or 'responsive singing'.

'antiphonary' changed from Medieval Latin 'antiphonarium' and related Old French forms such as 'antifonaire', and eventually became the modern English word 'antiphonary' via Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a collection or book of antiphons', and over time this central meaning has remained largely unchanged into modern usage.