'aryballus' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἀρύβαλλος' (aryballos), where the word meant 'a small oil-flask or vessel.'

'aryballus' was borrowed from Ancient Greek 'ἀρύβαλλος' into Latin as 'aryballus' and later entered English usage via Medieval/Modern scholarly and archaeological writings (retaining a form close to the Latin/Greek original).

Initially it meant 'a small oil-flask' in Ancient Greek; over time the term has remained narrowly specialized and is now used mainly in archaeological and art-historical contexts to refer to that specific type of ancient vessel.