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

• motorcyclist noun

Etymology

Origin of motorcycle

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

Example Sentences

She’d always liked tinkering with motorcycles and woodworking, and after years of teaching, she felt burned out.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lem, who is also a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, said Amelia's appeal had "snowballed" and he was "overwhelmed" by the response.

From BBC

Over the weekend, the government also announced it would officially start issuing motorcycle licenses to women, the latest in a series of moves aimed at trying to win support by relaxing social rules.

From The Wall Street Journal

His Ray always seems to be hiding behind a motorcycle visor even when he’s not and when he deigns to speak, the words trail off in a huff of exhaustion.

From Los Angeles Times

Police conducted a search of the property in January and seized a number of items including a vehicle, motorcycle and some electronic devices.

From BBC