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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.


minivan British  
/ ˈmɪnɪˌvæn /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of minivan

mini- + van 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene of the crash, where they pronounced the driver of the minivan dead at the scene.

From Los Angeles Times

Several readers wrote to argue that, on balance, minivans offer families a more compelling mix of space, comfort, function, safety and efficiency.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Why didn’t you follow through on giving Anna a car???” one TikToker among thousands commented on a Honda video promoting its Odyssey minivan.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jade’s gang escapes in two big buses with Luis and Esteban bouncing behind in their minivan, a cute dog on the kid’s lap.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the company’s most popular models, such as the Camry sedan and Sienna minivan, are now sold exclusively as hybrids.

From The Wall Street Journal