'openwork' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'open' and 'work', where 'open' meant 'not closed' and 'work' referred to 'labor or craftsmanship'.

'openwork' changed from the Middle English word 'open werk' and eventually became the modern English word 'openwork'.

Initially, it meant 'work that is open or has openings', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.