'treeless' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'trēowlēas,' where 'trēow' meant 'tree' and 'lēas' meant 'without.'

'trēowlēas' transformed into the Middle English word 'treles,' and eventually became the modern English word 'treeless.'

Initially, it meant 'without trees,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.