'motorcyclist' originates from 'motorcycle,' which combines 'motor' from Latin 'motor' meaning 'mover' and 'cycle' from Greek 'kyklos' meaning 'circle or wheel.'

'motorcycle' evolved from the French word 'motocyclette,' and eventually became the modern English word 'motorcycle.'

Initially, it referred to a person operating a motorized bicycle, but now it specifically refers to someone riding a motorcycle.