'continuation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'continuatio' (from the verb 'continuare'), where 'continuus' meant 'uninterrupted' or 'continuous'.

'continuation' changed from Late Latin 'continuatio' into Old French/Anglo-Norman forms such as 'continuacion' and then entered Middle English as 'continuacioun' before becoming the modern English 'continuation'.

Initially it meant 'the act of making continuous' or 'a state of being continuous', and over time it retained that core sense while also coming to be used for 'a sequel or extension' and specialized technical senses (e.g., in computing).