'empty' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'æmtig' (also seen as 'æmetta'), where 'æm-' related to 'leisure' or 'time' (implying being unoccupied) and the suffix indicated a state or condition.

'empty' changed from the Old English word 'æmtig' to Middle English forms such as 'empti' or 'emty', and eventually became the modern English word 'empty'.

Initially, it meant 'unoccupied' or 'having leisure' (i.e., not in use), but over time it evolved into its current primary meaning of 'containing nothing' or 'vacant'.