'chromophore' originates from International Scientific Vocabulary, ultimately from Greek, specifically the elements 'chroma' meaning 'color' and '-phoros' (from 'pherein') meaning 'bearing' or 'carrying.'

'Chromophor' in German dye chemistry influenced the English formation, and the term became the modern English word 'chromophore' in the late 19th century through scientific usage combining 'chromo-' + '-phore.'

Initially, it meant a color-bearing group in dye molecules; over time, its use broadened to include light-absorbing groups in biological macromolecules and photophysical contexts while retaining the core sense of ‘color/light-bearing unit.’