'asphalt' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'asphaltum', ultimately from Greek 'aspháltos' / 'ásphaltos', meaning a bituminous substance used for sealing or making things secure.

'asphaltum' passed into Old French as 'asphalte' and Middle English forms such as 'asfalt' before becoming the modern English word 'asphalt'.

Initially it referred broadly to natural bituminous substances used for sealing or securing surfaces; over time it came to denote the specific paving material and the act of paving.