'homoerotism' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'homo-' meaning 'same' and 'eros' meaning 'love or desire.'

'homoerotism' was formed in the late 19th century from the combination of Greek roots and the English suffix '-ism,' and eventually became the modern English word 'homoerotism.'

Initially, it meant 'sexual desire for the same sex,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage, though it is often used in academic or artistic contexts.