'wallpaper' originates from the combination of 'wall' and 'paper', where 'wall' refers to the vertical structure that encloses a space, and 'paper' refers to the thin material used for writing or decoration.

'wallpaper' evolved from the practice of using paper to cover walls for decorative purposes, which became popular in the 16th century.

Initially, it meant 'paper used to cover walls', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.