'antiphony' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antiphōnia', where 'anti-' meant 'opposite' or 'in return' and 'phōnē' meant 'voice' or 'sound'.

'antiphony' changed from Medieval Latin 'antiphonia' (and Old French 'antiphonie') and eventually became the modern English word 'antiphony' via Middle English usage.

Initially, it meant 'responsive singing' or 'a voice in return', and over time it has retained that core meaning, referring both to the practice of alternating song and to the specific response itself.