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

Mathew Kyalo Mbobu, a respected lawyer and former head of a political parties' dispute tribunal, was driving home on Tuesday evening when a gunman on a motorcycle pulled alongside his vehicle and opened fire.

From BBC

He thought that was probably not a good idea, so he stayed where he was until he could get a lift back from a motorcycle.

From BBC

"A lot of people offered me riding gear. They've even offered their own motorcycle."

From BBC

The discontent escalated into violence when a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was fatally struck by an armored police vehicle speeding through the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

They turned violent after young motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan was killed when he was run over by a police vehicle.

From BBC