Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

motor vehicle

American  
[moh-ter vee-i-kuhl, vee-hi-] / ˈmoʊ tər ˈvi ɪ kəl, ˈvi hɪ- /

noun

  1. an automobile, truck, bus, or similar motor-driven conveyance.


motor vehicle British  

noun

  1. a road vehicle driven by a motor or engine, esp an internal-combustion engine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of motor vehicle

First recorded in 1885–90


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“Unlike lifesaving, and mandated, technologies like air bags, seat belts, electronic stability control and headlights, analog AM radio does not contribute to motor vehicle safety,” Bozzella said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

“I do think that motor vehicle theft is a concern, it’s an issue,” Foust said.

From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026

Among major categories, retail sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were down 1.8 percent from the prior month.

From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026

But he pleaded guilty to keeping a motor vehicle which does not meet insurance requirements and was ordered to pay a £666 fine, £100 costs and a £266 victim surcharge.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

“Lost kids, lost dogs, a few motor vehicle violations, but no crime.”

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training