'wordbook' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'word' and 'book', where 'word' meant 'speech or talk' and 'book' meant 'a written or printed work'.

'wordbook' changed from the Middle English word 'wordboc' and eventually became the modern English word 'wordbook'.

Initially, it meant 'a book of words', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.