minivan

or min·i-van

[ min-ee-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

/ ˈmɪnɪˌvæn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of minivan¹

mini- + van ²

Example Sentences

He pointed out needing to get a minivan to fit the kids if they wanted to have a big family, and this was not something he was particularly willing to do.

From Freakonomics

We bought a minivan as soon as I was pregnant with our second kid, actually.

From Freakonomics

A few blocks away, George Papakostas, 48, a Rockville real estate agent, was wandering downtown in a minivan with his wife and three children.

From Washington Post

I'm a mom with the minivan who is accessible and transparent.

From Washington Post

Rodney Elmore, 57, helped fill a minivan with boxes of Thanksgiving meals.

From Washington Post

A dark minivan quickly fills with pregnant women and those carrying infants.

From The Daily Beast

It bulged in the pocket of my Dockers and as I loaded our minivan I noticed my wife noticing it.

From The Daily Beast

He was then trundled into what he says was either a minivan or an SUV.

From The Daily Beast

After a day-long drive with three young children, we emerged from our minivan cramped, cranky, and dusty with junk food.

From The Daily Beast

Through its unique design, the world saw the beginnings of the first minivan.

From The Daily Beast