'pyramidal' originates from Greek and Latin, specifically from the Greek word 'pyramis' (πυραμίς) and the Latin 'pyramis', where the root meant 'pyramid' (the monumental stone structure).

'pyramidal' changed from the noun 'pyramid' (from Greek 'pyramis' via Latin and Middle English 'pyramid') with the addition of the adjectival suffix '-al' in Modern English to form 'pyramidal'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to a pyramid' (literal shape), but over time it also came to mean 'having the shape of a pyramid' and figuratively 'arranged in a hierarchical pyramid'.