'disciple' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'discipulus', where the root 'disc-' (from 'discere') meant 'to learn' and 'discipulus' meant 'learner' or 'student'.

'disciple' passed into English via Old French/Medieval Latin (Old French 'disciple', Medieval Latin 'discipulus') and became the modern English word 'disciple' in Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'learner' or 'pupil' (from Latin 'discipulus'); over time it retained the core sense of a learner but acquired strong religious connotations in Christian contexts as 'a follower of Christ' or other spiritual leader.