'tuning' originates from English, specifically the verb 'tune' plus the suffix '-ing'; 'tune' traces back through Anglo-Norman/Old French 'ton' from Latin 'tonus', ultimately from Ancient Greek 'tonos', where 'tonos' meant 'stretching, tension, tone'.

'tune' passed from Old French/Anglo-Norman forms related to 'ton' into Middle English as 'tune'; adding the productive English suffix '-ing' formed the verbal noun/participle 'tuning' in Early Modern English, which then broadened in use.

Initially, it meant 'the act of bringing instruments into tune', and over time it broadened to the general idea of 'adjusting or optimizing settings', including in engineering and radio contexts.