'meaning' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'mǣnan,' where 'mǣnan' meant 'to intend or signify.'

'mǣnan' transformed into the Middle English word 'menen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'meaning.'

Initially, it meant 'to intend or signify,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the idea or concept that a word, phrase, or symbol represents.'