'disyllable' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'disyllabos', where 'di-' meant 'two' and 'syllabē' meant 'syllable'.

'disyllable' was formed from Greek 'disyllabos' (via Medieval/Latinized forms such as 'disyllabus') and entered English as 'disyllable' in modern usage.

Initially it referred specifically to a 'two-syllabled' item in Greek contexts; over time it has retained that core meaning and now denotes any word or form having two syllables.