'arrow' originates from Proto-Germanic, specifically the word '*arhwiz' (reconstructed), where the root meant 'arrow; projectile'.

'arrow' changed from Old English words such as 'earh' / 'earu' and Middle English 'arwe' and eventually became the modern English word 'arrow'.

Initially, it meant 'a projectile shot from a bow', and over time this central meaning has largely remained the same while also extending metaphorically to symbols and figurative uses.