'asphalt' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asphaltos', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'sphaltos' meant 'to fall'.

'asphaltos' transformed into the Latin word 'asphaltum', and eventually became the modern English word 'asphalt' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'a substance used for waterproofing', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a material used for paving surfaces'.