'ooze' originates from Middle English (examples spelled 'ouse' or 'ose'), ultimately connected with older Germanic words for mud or soft wet ground; the word developed into the modern English 'ooze'.

'ooze' changed from Middle English forms such as 'ouse'/'ose' and through Early Modern English became the current spelling and form 'ooze'.

Initially it referred to soft mud or a muddy place (a noun sense), and over time the verb sense 'to flow or leak slowly' became prominent and is the main modern usage.