'marshmallow' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'mersc-mealwe,' where 'mersc' meant 'marsh' and 'mealwe' meant 'mallow plant.'

'mersc-mealwe' transformed into the Middle English word 'marsh-mallow,' and eventually became the modern English word 'marshmallow.'

Initially, it referred to the mallow plant growing in marshes, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a sweet confection.