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

It also has a high car title loan mix of 62%, with monthly installment payments higher than those for motorcycle title loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I thought Nate’s Gertrude boat and Jonah’s motorcycle were a little over the top, but theirs are nothing compared to some of these.”

From Literature

When he was diagnosed with cancer, King said Myers remained true to his character and was "all about the fight" and "keeping the motorcycle wheels turning".

From BBC

In 1960, more than 7 million polluting cars, trucks and motorcycles were on California’s roads.

From Los Angeles Times

The roughly 16,000-square-foot establishment is a beloved gathering spot for bikers, especially on weekends, when motorcycles in the parking lot usually outnumber cars.

From The Wall Street Journal