'nougat' originates from French, specifically the word 'nougat', which was derived from the Old Provençal word 'nogat', where 'noga' meant 'nut'.

'nougat' changed from the Old Provençal word 'nogat' and eventually became the modern English word 'nougat'.

Initially, it meant 'nut cake', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sweet confection made from sugar or honey, nuts, and sometimes fruit'.