motorcycle

American  

[moh-ter-sahy-kuhl] / ˈmoʊ tərˌsaɪ kəl /

noun

1. a motor vehicle similar to a bicycle but usually larger and heavier, chiefly for one rider but sometimes having two saddles or an attached sidecar for passengers.

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verb (used without object)

motorcycled, motorcycling

1. to ride on or operate a motorcycle.

motorcycle British  

/ ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl /

noun

1. Also called: motorbike.  a two-wheeled vehicle, having a stronger frame than a bicycle, that is driven by a petrol engine, usually with a capacity of between 125 cc and 1000 cc

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verb

1. to ride on a motorcycle

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• motorcyclist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of motorcycle

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; motor + cycle

Explanation

A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels, an engine, and no pedals. Don't forget to wear a helmet when you jump on your motorcycle! Like a bicycle, a motorcycle has two wheels, but while you power your bike by pedaling, a motorcycle's motor takes care of that. All you have to do is keep it full of gasoline. Motorcycles don't burn as much fuel as most cars, so they are a major form of transportation in many cities. Unfortunately, they're also much more dangerous. When motorcycles were invented in the 19th century, they were also sometimes called motocycles.

Example Sentences

“If your or your teen’s electric two-wheeled vehicle goes too fast, it might be a motorcycle or moped.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

His family said he was going to collect a motorcycle from a mechanic's shop in his hometown of Milagro.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

But to the motorcycle business, e-motos are the biggest source of young riders since baby boomers fell for inexpensive Japanese dirt bikes in the 1960s and 1970s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Among the video’s more surreal moments are depictions of Trump riding a camel through the desert, traveling through India on a motorcycle, appearing as an anime-style warrior and sharing tacos with world leaders.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Ralph started to whiz around in a figure eight when his tires slipped and the motorcycle tipped; He lost control and landed in icy, dirty water.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary