'crystalware' originates from English, composed of 'crystal' and 'ware'; 'crystal' ultimately comes from Greek 'krystallos' (via Latin 'crystallum') where 'krystallos' meant 'ice' or 'rock crystal', and 'ware' comes from Old English 'waru' meaning 'goods' or 'wares'.

'crystal' passed from Greek 'krystallos' into Latin 'crystallum' and Old French 'cristal', later entering Middle English as 'crystal'; combined with Old English-derived 'ware' produced the compound 'crystalware' in modern English to denote goods made of crystal.

Initially referred specifically to objects made from natural rock crystal; over time the term has broadened to include items made from lead glass or cut glass resembling rock crystal and now commonly denotes table and decorative glassware.