panda car

noun

British.

1. a small patrol car used by the police.

panda car

noun

1. a police patrol car, esp a blue and white one

Word History and Origins

Origin of panda car¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from its panda-like coloration

Word History and Origins

Origin of panda car¹

C20: so called because it was originally white with black or blue markings, supposedly resembling the markings of the giant panda

Example Sentences

They had been out in their panda car looking for a Land Rover that was late back to Glencorse barracks in Midlothian.

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“I figured you came here handcuffed in the back of a panda car; the least we can do is leave in style.”

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"I just drove my panda car and got shot."

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Conway was ultimately killed when a petrol bomb was thrown into his panda car.

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Related Words

• patrol car 
• squad car