'aquashow' originates from modern English coinage combining the element 'aqua' (from Latin 'aqua', meaning 'water') and the English word 'show' (from Old English 'scēawian', related to looking/displaying).

'aqua' entered English via Latin ('aqua') as a combining form in scientific and descriptive words; 'show' developed from Old English 'scēawian' through Middle English 'showen'; the compound 'aquashow' was formed in modern English as a descriptive or titular compound.

Initially the components meant 'water' (aqua) and 'to look/display' (show); together as 'aquashow' the meaning evolved to denote a water-based spectacle or, when used as a title, a specific named work (e.g., an album).