'polyglot' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'polyglōttos,' where 'poly-' meant 'many' and 'glōtta' meant 'tongue' or 'language.'

'polyglōttos' transformed into the Latin word 'polyglottus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'polyglot' through Middle French.

Initially, it meant 'many tongues or languages,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.