'shoulder' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sculdor' (or 'sculder'), which referred to the upper part of the arm and the area beside the neck.

'shoulder' changed from Old English 'sculdor' (and related forms in other Germanic languages such as Old Norse 'skuldr' and Gothic 'skuldrs') through Middle English forms (e.g. 'soulder') and eventually became the modern English word 'shoulder'.

Initially, it meant the anatomical part at the top of the arm near the neck; over time it retained that primary meaning and also developed figurative senses (e.g., to 'shoulder' meaning to take on a burden or responsibility).