'cinnamon' originates from Greek and Latin via Old French and Medieval Latin; specifically from the Medieval Latin word 'cinnamomum' (from Greek 'kinnámōmon'), where the original term referred to an aromatic bark used as a spice.

'cinnamon' changed from the Greek word 'kinnámōmon' to Latin 'cinnamomum', then to Old French 'cinnamome' and Middle English 'cinnamon', eventually becoming the modern English word 'cinnamon'.

Initially, it meant 'the aromatic bark used as a spice'; over time this core meaning has largely remained, while the word also came to be used for the color similar to the spice.