motorcycle

[moh-ter-sahy-kuhl]

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.

verb (used without object)

motorcycled, motorcycling 

1. to ride on or operate a motorcycle.

motorcycle

/ 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

verb

1. to ride on a motorcycle

Other Word Forms

• motorcyclist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motorcycle¹

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

Example Sentences

“We have guys from motorcycle clubs. People who were formerly homeless on the streets that we served are now on the other side of the table being stories of inspiration,” Baruch said.

From Los Angeles Times

He told BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs he later agreed to both, working either end of the day and travelling between them by motorcycle.

From BBC

For a man who could rebuild a motorcycle from the ground up, it was a disarming gesture: soft, domestic, almost old-fashioned.

From Salon

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were on a motorcycle trip around the world when they were detained by Iranian authorities in January and later charged with espionage – something the family denies.

From BBC

He has been working as a motorcycle taxi driver to help cover his tuition fees and living costs.

From BBC