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

Despite his debts, Bush flew to Los Angeles in March 2024 to watch motorcycle racing.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Noticing that the weekend motorcycle groups would bounce from town to nearby town—Abadiânia, Alexânia, Anâpolis—he decided in 2012 to build a restaurant in Abadiânia that could be a permanent base for the bikers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"There are colleagues who have been here for four hours," said Emmanuel Gedeon Nzunzi, who drives one of the motorcycle taxis that are essential in the overcrowded and congested city of around 17 million people.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Another target was motorcycle units, which have been central to efforts to suppress protests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Ralph, crouched beside Ryan, waited for the adults to leave so he could bring out his mouse-sized motorcycle.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary