motorcycle

[moh-ter-sahy-kuhl]

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.

verb (used without object)

motorcycled, motorcycling 

1. to ride on or operate a motorcycle.

motorcycle

/ 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

verb

1. to ride on a motorcycle

Other Word Forms

• motorcyclist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motorcycle¹

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

Example Sentences

Titus, who lived with his mother, was overheard asking for a ride to her house because his motorcycle wouldn’t start.

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The Hamas operation began around 6:29 a.m. and involved a rocket and drone barrage, paraglider commandos and teams of fighters fanning out on pickups and motorcycles from Gaza across southern Israel.

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“We have guys from motorcycle clubs. People who were formerly homeless on the streets that we served are now on the other side of the table being stories of inspiration,” Baruch said.

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He told BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs he later agreed to both, working either end of the day and travelling between them by motorcycle.

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For a man who could rebuild a motorcycle from the ground up, it was a disarming gesture: soft, domestic, almost old-fashioned.

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