'apodyteria' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀποδυτήριον' (apodytērion), where 'ἀπο-' (apo-) meant 'away, off' and the root related to 'apodýō' meant 'to undress; remove clothing'.

'ἀποδυτήριον' passed into Latin as 'apodyterium' and was later borrowed into English in the classical/archaeological sense as 'apodyterium' (plural 'apodyteria').

Initially it meant 'a place for undressing' in ancient Greek and Latin, and this core meaning has been retained in modern usage referring specifically to the changing rooms of ancient baths.