'artillery' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'artillerie', where the verb element 'artillier' meant 'to equip' or referred to military engines and equipment.

'artillery' changed from Medieval Latin/'late Latin' term 'artillaria' and Old French 'artillerie' and eventually became the modern English word 'artillery' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'military engines, equipment, or skill in war,' but over time it evolved into the current primary meaning of 'large-caliber guns and the military branch that operates them.'