'arabophilic' originates from Modern English, formed by combining 'Arab' and the Greek-derived suffix '-philic' (from Greek 'philos' meaning 'loving').

'Arab' entered English via Latin and Old French (e.g. Latin 'Arabia', Old French 'Arabe') ultimately from Arabic 'ʿarab'; the element '-philic' comes from Greek 'philos' through New Latin/Modern English compound formation (as in 'philia', 'philic'), producing 'arabophile' and then the adjective 'arabophilic'.

Initially it referred simply to 'having affection for or strong interest in Arabs or Arab culture'; the meaning has remained consistent, denoting fondness or affinity for Arab people or culture.