'multiple-lane' is a modern compound formed from the adjective 'multiple' and the noun 'lane'. 'multiple' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'multiplex', where 'multi-' meant 'many' and 'plex' related to 'folding/parts'. 'lane' originates from Old English (or Proto-Germanic), ultimately meaning 'a narrow way or path.'

'multiple' entered English via Old French and Middle English from Latin 'multiplex'; 'lane' developed from Old English words for a narrow way (e.g. 'lanu' or similar Germanic forms) into the modern English 'lane'. The compound 'multiple-lane' is a recent productive combination used in modern traffic/road vocabulary.

The individual elements retained their basic senses ('multiple' = many; 'lane' = roadway path). The compound's meaning—'having more than one lane'—is straightforward and arose from modern traffic engineering contexts; it has not undergone significant semantic shift since its formation.