'bannerlike' originates from English, formed by combining the noun 'banner' and the adjectival suffix '-like' (meaning 'having the form or nature of'). 'Banner' itself comes from Old French 'baniere' (from Late Latin 'bandum' or similar Germanic sources), and '-like' derives from Old English '-lic'.

'banner' passed into Middle English from Old French 'baniere' and became Middle English 'baner'/'banner'; the suffix '-lic' in Old English evolved into the modern adjectival suffix '-like', producing formations such as 'bannerlike' in later English.

Initially the elements meant 'banner' (a flag or sign) and '-like' ('having the form of'); over time the compound has been used to describe things that are striking or displayed in a manner reminiscent of a banner, a nuance that remains in modern usage.