'assiette' originates from French, specifically the Modern French word 'assiette', which comes from Old French 'assiete' or 'assieté'.

'assiette' changed from Old French 'assiete' (related to the verb 'asseoir' meaning 'to seat' or 'set') and eventually became the modern French word 'assiette', later borrowed into English with its culinary sense.

Initially it referred to something that 'sits' or a 'seat/settling' (a place or portion assigned); over time it evolved into the meaning 'a plate' and then more specifically 'a plated portion/selection' in culinary use.