'airbag' originates from English, specifically the words 'air' and 'bag', where 'air' meant 'the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth' and 'bag' meant 'a flexible container'.

'airbag' was coined in the 20th century as a compound word combining 'air' and 'bag' to describe a safety device in vehicles.

Initially, it meant 'a bag filled with air', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a safety device in vehicles'.