'gamete' originates from New Latin (or Modern Greek-derived New Latin), specifically the word 'gamēta' (from Greek 'gamētēs'), where Greek 'gamos' (or 'gamē') meant 'marriage' or 'union'.

'gamete' was formed in New Latin from Greek roots ('gamētēs', related to 'gamos') and entered scientific English usage in the late 19th century (via French 'gamète' and New Latin usage) to name reproductive cells.

Initially related to the idea of 'marriage' or 'union' in Greek, the term came to be used in biology for cells that unite (i.e., reproductive cells such as sperm and egg).