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

Every year I attend car auctions in Scottsdale, Ariz. I have a small collection of Italian cars and old Italian motorcycles, partly to honor my family, which comes from Potenza, Italy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Walcha Motorcycle Rally describes itself as a "grassroots event for motorcycle enthusiasts".

Read more on BBC

The Metropolitan Police said all escort riders now had bullhorns fitted to their motorcycles to ensure public safety.

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"Nowadays, especially...electronics, photovoltaic generation, and batteries for all kinds of applications, including motorcycles and motor vehicles, come from China because they are truly very efficient."

Read more on Barron's

As a motorcycle rider himself, collision investigator PC Wyatt reconstructed the way the bike would have travelled through the scene, as the rider battled to regain control, and quickly ruled out high speed.

Read more on BBC