Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

safety car

American  

noun

Nautical.
  1. life car.


Etymology

Origin of safety car

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A safety car intervened to hand the victory in Japan to Antonelli, when without it most likely either McLaren's Oscar Piastri or Russell would have won.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Allowing drivers a 'free' stop during a safety car period just seems to bring an unnecessary element of luck to races.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Kept Hadjar behind in the early stages but ultimately his race was ruined by the safety car.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Bearman's crash happened almost straight afterwards and Russell immediately knew the consequences as he saw the safety car signs alight around the track.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Each day in the week would have its special work: Monday would be beach drill, practising with the firing gun and line and the safety car.

From Tides of Barnegat by Smith, Francis Hopkinson

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "safety car" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com