'zoochorous' originates from New Latin and Ancient Greek, specifically the Greek word 'zōion' (ζῷον), where 'zoo-' meant 'animal', and from Greek 'chorein' (χoρεῖν) where the element 'chor-' meant 'to spread or disperse'.

'zoochorous' was formed in New Latin (zoo- + -chorous) and entered scientific English usage in the 19th century as a botanical term meaning 'dispersed by animals'.

Initially and throughout its history it has been used as a specialized scientific term meaning 'dispersed by animals'; this specialized botanical sense has been retained.