'scullery' originates from Anglo-Norman/Old French, specifically the word 'escuelerie', where 'escuele' meant 'dish'.

'scullery' changed from Middle English forms such as 'sculerie' or 'scullerie' (borrowed from Anglo-Norman/Old French 'escuelerie', itself from Late Latin 'scutella' meaning 'small dish') and eventually became the modern English word 'scullery'.

Initially, it meant 'a room for dishes' or 'dish-room', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small room next to the kitchen for washing dishes and other household work'.