license plate

noun

1. a plate or tag, usually of metal, bearing evidence of official registration and permission, as for the use of a motor vehicle.

license plate

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): numberplate. a plate mounted on the front and back of a motor vehicle bearing the registration number

Word History and Origins

Origin of license plate¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Police also found in their possession Wi-Fi jammers, which can be used to disarm cameras and alarms, cellphones, trail cameras, GPS trackers and stolen license plates, the release said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The car was outfitted with a stolen license plate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An automatic license plate reader helped San Bernardino County and Cal Fire investigators link Halstenberg’s pickup truck to a location near the start of the Line fire.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Several other unmarked SUVs with officers wearing tactical vests were also chasing the SUV, which was reportedly being pursued because its license plate did not match the vehicle, Reed said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The woman’s maroon Kia Sorrento had been stolen, and the department sent the license plate number to surrounding jurisdictions in the hope of finding the suspect and the vehicle, police said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times