'question-and-answer' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'question' and 'answer'. 'question' comes ultimately from Latin 'quaestiō' (via Old French and Middle English), and 'answer' comes from Old English 'andswaru' (from Proto-Germanic roots).

The elements 'question' and 'answer' entered English separately (Medieval/Middle English). The phrase was used in the unhyphenated form 'question and answer' in Early Modern English; over time the hyphenated form 'question-and-answer' and the abbreviation 'Q&A' became common for referring to sessions or paired items.

Originally referring simply to a question together with its answer, the phrase broadened to mean a formal or informal session where multiple questions are asked and answered (a 'Q&A' event).