'section' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sectio', where 'secare' meant 'to cut'.

'section' changed from Medieval Latin 'sectio' and Old French 'section' and eventually became the modern English word 'section' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a cutting or act of cutting', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a distinct part or division' and the related verbal sense 'to divide into parts'.