'multi-sided' originates from Latin and Old English, specifically the Latin word 'multus' and the Old English word 'sīd', where 'multus' meant 'many' and 'sīd' meant 'side' (or 'long, side').

'multi-sided' developed as a compound by combining the prefix 'multi-' (from Latin 'multus') with English 'side' (from Old English 'sīd'); the form has appeared in Modern English as both 'multisided' and the hyphenated 'multi-sided', settling on the latter in many contemporary usages.

Initially it meant 'having many sides' in a literal, physical sense; over time it also acquired the figurative meaning 'having many aspects or facets'.