'pterygota' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'pteryx' (Greek 'πτέρυξ'), where 'pteryx' meant 'wing' and the suffix '-ota' is a taxonomic/formational element used to denote groups.

'pterygota' entered scientific usage via New Latin (as 'Pterygota') in entomological classification during the 19th century, derived from Greek 'pteryx' plus the group-forming suffix '-ota', and later became the modern English taxon name 'pterygota'.

Initially built from roots meaning 'wing' or 'winged', over time it evolved into the current technical meaning of 'the group of winged insects and their descendants'.