'grid-based' originates from Modern English, specifically the words 'grid' and 'based', where 'grid' meant 'a framework of spaced bars or lines' and 'base' (from Latin 'basis') meant 'foundation'.

'grid' developed in Middle English to denote a grating or framework and later came to mean a network of intersecting lines; 'based' is the adjectival/past-participial form of 'base'. The compound 'grid-based' emerged in technical and design contexts in the late 20th century to describe systems relying on grids.

Initially it literally described something 'having its foundation on a grid'; over time it has retained that core sense and is now widely used to describe layouts, systems, or models that operate according to a grid structure.