'aristology' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ariston' (ἀριστόν), where 'ariston' meant 'a meal' or 'breakfast', combined with the suffix '-logy' from Greek 'logia' meaning 'study' or 'discourse'.

'aristology' was coined in modern English by combining Greek elements ('ariston' + '-logy')—a formation reflecting classical compound-making—resulting in the English word 'aristology' (used from the 19th century in specialized contexts).

Initially it meant 'the study of meals' or 'knowledge about meals'; over time it has been used to refer more broadly to the 'art or science of dining' and to cookery or culinary practice.