'umber-like' is a modern English compound formed from 'umber' + the adjectival suffix '-like'. 'Umber' originates from Italian 'ombra' (often in the phrase 'terra d'ombra' meaning 'earth of shadow'), which ultimately comes from Latin 'umbra' meaning 'shadow'. The suffix '-like' traces to Old English 'lic' meaning 'having the form of' and has long been used to form adjectives meaning 'similar to'.

'Umber' entered English via Italian/French (from Italian 'ombra'/'terra d'ombra') and settled as the pigment name 'umber' in Early Modern English; the suffix '-like' comes from Old English 'lic' and remained productive in Middle and Modern English to create adjectives such as 'child-like' and, by extension, 'umber-like'.

Originally related to 'shadow' (Latin 'umbra'), the term 'umber' became specialized to mean a dark brown earth pigment; over time compounds like 'umber-like' came to mean 'having the color or quality of that pigment.'