'melodist' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the noun 'melody' with the agentive suffix '-ist', where 'melody' ultimately comes from Greek 'melōidía' via Late Latin 'melodia'.

'melodist' changed from Middle English/Modern English formation based on 'melody' (Middle English 'melodie', from Old French 'melodie') plus the agent suffix '-ist', eventually producing the English noun 'melodist'.

Initially related to 'melody' meaning 'song' or 'singing', the term came to be used specifically for a person who composes or is associated with melodies, i.e., 'a composer of melodies'.