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Synonyms

motor vehicle

American  
[moh-ter vee-i-kuhl, vee-hi-] / ˈmoʊ tər ˈvi ɪ kəl, ˈvi hɪ- /

noun

  1. an automobile, truck, bus, or similar motor-driven conveyance.


motor vehicle British  

noun

  1. a road vehicle driven by a motor or engine, esp an internal-combustion engine

"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 motor vehicle

First recorded in 1885–90

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.

A third straight rise in Canadian exports of cars and light trucks drove a 5.9% rise in motor vehicle shipments as auto production increased.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

This came on the back of sales declines at motor vehicle and parts dealers, and gasoline stations.

From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025

The historic refinery, which opened in 1911, produces approximately one-fifth of all motor vehicle fuels and 40% of the jet fuel consumed in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

On Monday, Nottinghamshire Police said it located and arrested an 18-year-old man in Doncaster, who was detained on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and other offences.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

“Lost kids, lost dogs, a few motor vehicle violations, but no crime.”

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

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