'kingdom' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cyningdōm', where 'cyning' meant 'king' and '-dōm' meant 'domain or state'.

'cyningdōm' transformed into the Middle English word 'kingdom', and eventually became the modern English word 'kingdom'.

Initially, it meant 'the domain of a king', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a country or territory ruled by a king or queen'.