'donut' is an alternative spelling of 'doughnut', which originates from the Dutch word 'doughnut', where 'dough' meant 'flour mixture' and 'nut' referred to the nut-like shape of the original pastries.

'doughnut' transformed into the American English spelling 'donut' in the mid-20th century, popularized by brands like Dunkin' Donuts.

Initially, it referred to a small nut-shaped cake, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a ring-shaped fried cake.