'autostrada' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'autostrada', where 'auto-' meant 'self/automobile' (from Greek 'autos') and 'strada' meant 'road' (from Latin 'strata').

'autostrada' was coined in Italian in the early 20th century to denote roads built for automobiles; 'strada' derives from Latin 'strata (via)' meaning 'paved way', while 'auto-' ultimately comes from Greek 'autos' via modern formation.

Initially it meant 'a road for automobiles' in Italian; when borrowed into English it retained that sense but is used specifically to refer to Italian motorways or similar high-speed roads.