'printmaker' originates from English, formed by combining the noun 'print' (the product or act of pressing an image) and the agent noun 'maker' (one who makes).

'print' comes from Middle English 'prenten' (to press or imprint), ultimately from Latin 'premere' meaning 'to press'; 'maker' derives from Old English 'macian'/'macere' (to make), and the compound 'printmaker' developed in modern English to denote an artist who makes prints.

Initially related to the action of pressing or producing an impression, 'print' broadened to mean an image reproduced from a plate or block; 'printmaker' came to specifically mean an artist who creates such printed artworks.