'armoire' originates from French, specifically the word 'armoire', which ultimately derives from Latin 'armarium', where 'armarium' meant 'a chest or cupboard (a place for storing)'.

'armoire' changed from Latin 'armarium' into Old French/Modern French 'armoire' and was borrowed into English as 'armoire', keeping the sense of a storage chest or wardrobe.

Initially it referred broadly to a storage chest (often for arms or utensils), but over time it evolved to mean specifically a large freestanding wardrobe or cupboard for clothing.