'kiln' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cyln', which was derived from Latin 'culina', meaning 'kitchen' or 'cooking stove'.

'cyln' transformed into the Middle English word 'kilne', and eventually became the modern English word 'kiln'.

Initially, it meant 'a place for cooking', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a furnace for firing pottery or bricks'.