'limited-production' originates from the combination of 'limited' and 'production', where 'limited' means 'restricted in size, amount, or extent' and 'production' refers to 'the process of manufacturing or creating something'.

'limited' and 'production' have been used in English since the 14th and 15th centuries, respectively, and combined in modern English to describe small-scale manufacturing.

Initially, 'limited' meant 'confined within limits', and 'production' meant 'the act of producing'. The combined term 'limited-production' has maintained its meaning of restricted manufacturing.