'motorway' originates from English, combining 'motor' from Latin 'motor' meaning 'mover' and 'way' from Old English 'weg' meaning 'path'.

'motorway' evolved from the combination of 'motor' and 'way' in the early 20th century to describe roads designed for motor vehicles.

Initially, it referred to any road for motor vehicles, but now it specifically means a major road for fast traffic.