motorcycle

American  

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

noun

motorcycles plural

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

Derived Forms

• motorcyclist
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• motorcycles
  plural

Etymology

Origin of motorcycle

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

Explanation

A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels, an engine, and no pedals. Don't forget to wear a helmet when you jump on your motorcycle! Like a bicycle, a motorcycle has two wheels, but while you power your bike by pedaling, a motorcycle's motor takes care of that. All you have to do is keep it full of gasoline. Motorcycles don't burn as much fuel as most cars, so they are a major form of transportation in many cities. Unfortunately, they're also much more dangerous. When motorcycles were invented in the 19th century, they were also sometimes called motocycles.

Example Sentences

That blocked the pipeline bringing new people into motorcycling, said Christy LaCurelle, president and chief executive of the Motorcycle Industry Council.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Motorcycle and car ride-hailing drivers were also among those who earlier said they would join protests, according to local reports.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

But once in England, he was eager to learn from the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Motorcycle courier Eduardo Flores said his hopes for a political and democratic transition remain distant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

“Well, we intercept German radio messages at listening posts. Motorcycle couriers bring stacks of messages here all day and night. But we can’t read them.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin