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

As I was pushed into the station wagon, there were boxes everywhere.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Dawn has reported on airlines and travel for three decades and has been doling out travel tips since an eighth grade trip from Connecticut to Disney World in the family station wagon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

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

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

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

After they ate, after they drank some water and belched loudly, they got into their station wagon and drove away.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

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