'fisherwoman' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fiscere,' where 'fisc' meant 'fish' and '-ere' was an agentive suffix. The term 'woman' is derived from Old English 'wīfmann,' where 'wīf' meant 'woman' and 'mann' meant 'person.'

'fiscere' transformed into the Middle English word 'fisshere,' and eventually became the modern English word 'fisher.' The combination with 'woman' formed 'fisherwoman.'

Initially, it meant 'a person who catches fish,' and over time it evolved to specifically denote a female engaged in fishing.