'cider' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'cidre', which in turn comes from Latin 'sicera' and Greek 'σίκερα (síkera)', where the Greek term meant 'a fermented or strong drink'.

'cider' changed from Old French 'cidre' into Middle English forms such as 'sidre'/'cyder' and eventually became the modern English word 'cider'.

Initially it referred more generally to a fermented or strong drink; over time the meaning narrowed in English to refer specifically to a beverage made from apples (or, in some dialects, to fresh apple juice).