'arrowroot' originates from an Arawakan (Carib) language, specifically the word 'aru-aru' (recorded in early accounts), where 'aru' referred to a root or root-based food.

'arrowroot' changed from the indigenous word 'aru-aru' introduced into early modern English as forms like 'arowroot' or 'arurroot', and eventually became the modern English word 'arrowroot' by folk etymology associating it with the English words 'arrow' + 'root'.

Initially, it referred to the indigenous name for the plant or its meal; over time it came to be used specifically for the processed starchy powder used as a culinary thickener.