station wagon

American  

noun

1. an automobile with one or more rows of folding or removable seats behind the driver and no luggage compartment but an area behind the seats into which suitcases, parcels, etc., can be loaded through a tailgate.

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station wagon British  

noun

1. British term: estate car.  a car with a comparatively long body containing a large carrying space, reached through a rear door: usually the back seats can be folded forward to increase the carrying space

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Etymology

Origin of station wagon

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Compare meaning

How does station-wagon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• station wagon vs. hatchback

Example Sentences

Suggestions like “rent a station wagon and take things to Goodwill” might have worked for someone with a lot less stuff than I had.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Our wood-paneled station wagon will be waiting at the other end.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

He and his brother and cousins would pile into his uncle’s station wagon and made their way to downtown Los Angeles, where the family would go shopping.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2025

Swedish police said they are looking for witnesses who may have seen a silver station wagon "that may be relevant to the case".

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2024

Every once in a while he sighs so loud it sounds like he’s trying to blow the station wagon off course.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na

Related Words

• auto
• automobile
• bus
• convertible
• jeep
• limousine
• machine
• motor
• pickup
• ride
• truck
• van
• wagon