'exchange-traded' originates from the combination of 'exchange,' referring to a marketplace for trading, and 'traded,' the past participle of 'trade,' meaning to buy and sell goods or services.

'exchange' and 'trade' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, evolving from Old French 'eschange' and 'trader,' respectively.

Initially, 'exchange' referred to the act of swapping goods, while 'trade' meant commerce. Together, they now refer to financial instruments traded on stock exchanges.