'polytheist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'polytheos,' where 'poly-' meant 'many' and 'theos' meant 'god.'

'polytheos' transformed into the Latin word 'polytheista,' and eventually became the modern English word 'polytheist' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'believer in many gods,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.