'steeple' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'stēpel', where 'stēap' meant 'high' or 'steep'.

'stēpel' transformed into the Middle English word 'steple', and eventually became the modern English word 'steeple'.

Initially, it meant 'a high or steep place', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a tall, pointed structure on top of a church'.