'base-metal' is a compound of 'base' and 'metal'. 'base' originates from Old French 'bas', where 'bas' meant 'low' or 'inferior'. 'metal' originates from Latin 'metallum', from Greek 'metallon', where 'metallon' meant 'mine' or 'metal'.

The adjective 'base' (from Old French) acquired senses of 'low' or 'inferior' in Middle English; combined with 'metal' in Early Modern English to denote metals considered low in value compared with precious metals, producing the compound 'base-metal' in this sense.

Initially it simply indicated a metal regarded as low or inferior in value; over time it has come to be a standard term for non-precious or common metals used in industry and manufacturing.