minibus

American  

[min-ee-buhs] / ˈmɪn iˌbʌs /

noun

1. a small bus, seating about 15 passengers and typically transporting people short distances.

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minibus British  

/ ˈmɪnɪˌbʌs /

noun

1. a small bus able to carry approximately ten passengers

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Etymology

Origin of minibus

1840–50; mini- + bus ¹; the 19th-century word, meaning “small carriage,” perhaps mini(mum) + (omni)bus

Example Sentences

A couple whose daughter died in a school minibus crash 33 years ago have raised concerns their grandchildren still face the same dangers.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Current regulations permit any teacher who is over 21 and has held a standard licence for more than two years to drive a minibus which holds up to 16 passengers.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

A survey by the union found one in four teachers had been pressured into driving a minibus.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

A minute's silence was observed before kick-off in memory of the seven Greek fans killed in a minibus accident in Romania.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

I see this error often even on a school minibus: St James’s School.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author