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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of license plate

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The viewing sessions got more serious after Cicero told his friends he went to a trivia night and was stumped by a question on the license plate on Jerry’s Saab convertible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

It was spotted on license plate readers in Globe, Ariz., at about 6:30 p.m. local time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

According to the search warrant affidavit, Abatti’s truck was spotted on license plate readers on Nov. 20 heading south in El Centro, leaving the area of his hunting grounds at about 1:30 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Officers later broadcast the vehicle’s description and a license plate reader captured the vehicle passing through Benedict Canyon, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

“I knew it. If those cameras were on, they probably got the license plate number and everything.”

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken