motorcycle

American  

[moh-ter-sahy-kuhl] / ˈmoʊ tərˌsaɪ kəl /

noun

1. a motor vehicle similar to a bicycle but usually larger and heavier, chiefly for one rider but sometimes having two saddles or an attached sidecar for passengers.

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verb (used without object)

motorcycled, motorcycling

1. to ride on or operate a motorcycle.

motorcycle British  

/ ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl /

noun

1. Also called: motorbike.  a two-wheeled vehicle, having a stronger frame than a bicycle, that is driven by a petrol engine, usually with a capacity of between 125 cc and 1000 cc

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verb

1. to ride on a motorcycle

Other Word Forms

• motorcyclist noun

Etymology

Origin of motorcycle

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; motor + cycle

Example Sentences

Ivanova’s husband is retired, and the couple enjoys taking motorcycle trips.

From The Wall Street Journal

A common, albeit not very lucrative, option: delivering food orders on bicycles or motorcycles.

From Los Angeles Times

In the city, there were few gasoline-powered cars and no buses running, but the streets were full of bicycles, electric motorcycles and three-wheeled electric vehicles used to transport people and goods.

From Salon

A security report cited by AFP said bandits came on "41 motorcycles, each carrying two or three men".

From BBC

In early February, the transport ministry launched a pilot bus security unit in several cities including Jerusalem, where rapid-response motorcycle teams will work in coordination with police.

From Barron's