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

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

In recent years, the Quds Force—the external arm of Iran’s IRGC—has recruited proxies among organized-crime groups and Shia Muslim communities in Europe, including motorcycle gangs and migrants from Afghanistan and Syria, officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"There are colleagues who have been here for four hours," said Emmanuel Gedeon Nzunzi, who drives one of the motorcycle taxis that are essential in the overcrowded and congested city of around 17 million people.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Another target was motorcycle units, which have been central to efforts to suppress protests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Inside the building, the linoleum-floored hall, unlike the halls of the Mountain View Inn, was a broad smooth highway with no rough carpets to wear down the already thin tires of a little motorcycle.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary