'sumac' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'summāq', where 'summāq' meant 'red (used for dye)'.

'sumac' entered English via Old French 'sumac' (and Medieval Latin 'sumachus'), ultimately from Arabic 'summāq'; over time the form became the modern English 'sumac'.

Initially, it meant 'red' or referred to 'red dye', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a shrub of the Rhus group or the spice made from its fruit'.