'aviary' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'aviarium', where 'avis' meant 'bird'.

'aviary' changed from Medieval Latin 'aviarium' (later Old French influence 'aviere') and entered Middle English as 'aviarie', eventually becoming the modern English word 'aviary'.

Initially, it meant 'a place for keeping birds', and over time this core meaning has largely remained, though it has also been used for specialized collections or exhibits of birds.