motorcycle
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of motorcycle
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Motorcycle courier Eduardo Flores said his hopes for a political and democratic transition remain distant.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally describes itself as a "grassroots event for motorcycle enthusiasts".
From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025
In a statement published on the Walcha Motorcycle Rally's Facebook page, the Walcha Council said that it was "shocked and stunned at the unfortunate accident".
From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025
Indian Motorcycle appears to have been losing the company money.
From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025
‘Christy’s with the other guys and girls. They’re all on the same job this week. Down Earl’s Court at the Motorcycle and Scooter Show.’
From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
