'oak-aged' originates from English, a compound of 'oak' and 'aged'. 'Oak' ultimately comes from Old English 'āc' (meaning 'oak'), and 'aged' is the past participle form of 'age', a word from Old French 'aage' (from Latin 'aetas', meaning 'age').

'oak' changed from Old English 'āc' through Middle English forms to the modern English 'oak'. 'Age' entered English via Old French 'aage' (from Latin 'aetas'), giving the past-participle adjective 'aged'. The modern compound 'oak-aged' developed in English by combining these elements to describe products matured in oak.

Initially the components meant simply 'oak' + 'aged'. The compound has long been used to mean 'matured in oak (usually oak barrels)'; its basic meaning has remained stable, though usage has broadened from wine and spirits to include beer and other products treated with oak.