'ointment' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'oignement' (also attested as 'ointement'), where the verb 'oindre' meant 'to anoint' (from Latin 'ungere').

'ointment' changed from the Old French word 'oignement' and the Middle English form 'oynement' and eventually became the modern English word 'ointment'.

Initially, it meant 'the act of anointing' or 'a substance used for anointing'; over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a medicinal or soothing substance applied to the skin'.