all-terrain vehicle

American  

[awl-tuh-reyn] / ˈɔl təˈreɪn /

noun

1. a vehicle with treads, wheels, or both, designed to traverse varied, uneven terrain as well as roads. ATV

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Usage

What is an all-terrain vehicle? An all-terrain vehicle is a vehicle with specialized treads and/or wheels that allows it to travel on off-road terrain. It is commonly abbreviated as ATV. It’s more common to call it an ATV than an all-terrain vehicle. All-terrain vehicles are designed to travel over rocks, snow, and other difficult terrain. In the U. S., the term typically refers to a vehicle that has four (or at least three) wheels, a straddle seat, and handlebars for steering. They are typically designed for one person, though some can accommodate two riders. The term quad is commonly used to refer to an ATV that has four wheels and is typically used for recreation. Example: You’d need an all-terrain vehicle to cross those rocky paths.

Etymology

Origin of all-terrain vehicle

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Chinese EV competition is fierce, and electrified vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, account for more than half of all new car sales.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Globally, it wants to sell 2 million cars per year, which includes a 15% increase in top-end, and a doubling of electrified vehicles medium term.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Several things have changed for Chinese EV buyers in the new year, including the end of the full purchase tax exemption for electrified vehicles.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

In Europe, for the first time in 2025, more electrified vehicles than purely combustion engine vehicles were delivered.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Production of electrified vehicles rose 1.8% with battery, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounting for a record of more than two in five of vehicles produced.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2025