'hedonist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hēdonē', where 'hēdonē' meant 'pleasure'. The suffix '-ist' comes from Greek/Latin/French usage for an agent or adherent.

'hedonist' changed from French 'hédoniste' (via Neo-Latin 'hedonista') and eventually became the modern English word 'hedonist'.

Initially, it meant 'a person devoted to pleasure', and over time it has largely retained that meaning, referring to someone who values pleasure or happiness as the highest good.