'autoeducation' originates from Greek and Latin, specifically Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' and Latin 'educatio' (from 'educare') meaning 'a rearing, bringing up'.

'autoeducation' formed as a compound of the combining form 'auto-' (Greek) and 'education' (from Latin through English usage). The formation appeared in modern English usage by analogy with compounds like 'autobiography' and developed as a term for self-directed learning.

Initially it reflected the idea of 'self-rearing or bringing up oneself'; over time it has come to mean specifically 'self-directed learning' or 'the practice of educating oneself'.