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

Armed with John’s tip, law-enforcement officials traced the car back to an Alamo rental office in Boston using surveillance footage of the license plate.

From The Wall Street Journal

When he offered her a ride from the airport, her friends urged caution and asked for a photo of his license plate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Detectives used license plate recognition cameras to track the vehicle, which was registered to Keith, as it traveled southbound on the 210 Freeway before exiting in Chino and parking near Ayala Park.

From Los Angeles Times

Berkeley police used automatic license plate readers to track Alford’s car in the area before and after the burglary.

From Los Angeles Times

“I got their ... license plates on my phone!” a woman yelled to no one in particular.

From Los Angeles Times