'antiphoner' originates from Middle English, ultimately from Late Latin 'antiphonarius', and from Greek elements 'anti-' (ἀντί) meaning 'opposite' and 'phōnē' (φωνή) meaning 'voice'.

'antiphonarius' in Late Latin passed into Old French as 'antifonaire' (or similar forms) and then into Middle English as 'antiphoner' (or variants), giving the modern English 'antiphoner'.

Initially it referred primarily to the book or collection of antiphons ('antiphonary'), and by extension also to the person who sings or leads antiphonal responses; both senses have been retained though the book-sense is more common in historical liturgical contexts.