'mausoleum' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'mausōleion,' where 'Mausolus' was a satrap of the Persian Empire, and his tomb was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

'mausōleion' transformed into the Latin word 'mausoleum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mausoleum' through Middle English.

Initially, it referred specifically to the tomb of Mausolus, but over time it evolved to mean any large, stately tomb.