license plate

American  

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 British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of license plate

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

She may be traveling in a black 2024 Kia 4-door sedan with California license plate #9LBV962.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

The commission ordered its inspector general to conduct an audit of the LAPD’s use of license plate reader technology, with the findings expected to be released in the summer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Reports that Flock has shared license plate data with federal authorities, including U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The app, known as Enhanced Leads Identification and Targeting for Enforcement, or ELITE, lets officers research and track individuals based on criminal history, license plate searches, name, date of birth or locations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

The authorities have traced the partial license plate and VIN from the vehicle that exploded to a rental agency on the Illinois-lndiana border.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed