'multidisciplinarity' originates from Latin-derived elements used in English: 'multi-' from Latin 'multus' meaning 'many', 'discipline' from Latin 'disciplina' meaning 'instruction' or 'learning', and the noun-forming suffix '-ity' from Latin '-itas' meaning 'state or quality'.

'multidisciplinarity' developed in Modern English by combining the adjective 'multidisciplinary' (a formation using 'multi-' + 'disciplinary') with the noun-forming suffix '-ity', producing the noun 'multidisciplinarity'.

Initially it referred simply to 'the state or condition of involving multiple disciplines', and over time it has come to be used both for that state and for the active practice of integrating disciplines to solve problems.