'psalm' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'psalmus', and from Greek 'psalmos', where 'psallō' meant 'to pluck (a string), strike, and to sing to the accompaniment of a harp.'

'psalm' changed from Medieval Latin 'psalmus' and Old French 'psaume' (and Middle English 'psalme') and eventually became the modern English word 'psalm'.

Initially it meant 'a song accompanied by plucked strings or the action of plucking (a string)'; over time it evolved into the current meaning 'a sacred song or hymn' and the title of the biblical collection 'Psalms'.