minivan

American  

[min-ee-van] / ˈmɪn iˌvæn /

Or mini-van

noun

1. a small passenger van, somewhat larger than a station wagon, typically with side or rear windows and rear seats that can be removed for hauling small loads.

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minivan British  

/ ˈmɪnɪˌvæn /

noun

1. a small van, esp one with seats in the back for carrying passengers

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Etymology

Origin of minivan

mini- + van ²

Example Sentences

The Pacifica has been America’s top-selling minivan for years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“We’re going to have a lot more fun in the coming months,” he said in front of the updated minivan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The company said that the ride-hailing service will use an autonomous electric minivan from Volkswagen called the ID.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

As a kid rumbling by “the Joey P” in the backseat of my mom’s minivan, I never thought about what it really means to decorate a warship for Christmas.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

But when he pulled into the driveway, there was Kathy, loading up the minivan, the two youngest already buckled inside.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers