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

Ricky Margate, 57, told AFP he had driven a motorcycle to the site this year instead of his car because it consumes less fuel.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

When he was diagnosed with cancer, King said Myers remained true to his character and was "all about the fight" and "keeping the motorcycle wheels turning".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Ghalibaf has posted video showing him piloting aircraft and became famous as mayor for riding his motorcycle, cultivating a strongman persona that some Iran watchers have compared to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The source also told the outlet Ritchson crashed, fell off his motorcycle and incurred cuts and bruises.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

I remember riding on the front of his motorcycle barreling down the dirt road to Ardestan.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri