'archbishop' originates from Greek via Latin, specifically from Greek 'arkhi-' (chief) + 'episkopos' (overseer) which passed into Late Latin as 'archiepiscopus'.

'archbishop' changed from Late Latin 'archiepiscopus' into Old English/Medieval Latin forms (e.g. Old English/Latin-influenced forms like 'arcebiscop'/'archebisceop') and eventually became the modern English word 'archbishop'.

Initially, it meant 'chief overseer' in a church context, and over time it has remained focused on the same core meaning: a bishop of higher rank who presides over an archdiocese or province.