'empty' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ǣmtig', where 'ǣm-' meant 'unoccupied' and '-tig' meant 'having'.

'ǣmtig' transformed into the Middle English word 'emty', and eventually became the modern English word 'empty'.

Initially, it meant 'unoccupied or vacant', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'containing nothing'.