license plate

American  

noun

• license plates
  plural

1. a plate or tag, usually of metal, bearing evidence of official registration and permission, as for the use of a motor vehicle.

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license plate British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): numberplate. a plate mounted on the front and back of a motor vehicle bearing the registration number

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• license plates
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of license plate

First recorded in 1900–05

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

license plate

At Chicago, the university said a person of interest has been identified through eye witnesses, video cameras and license plate readers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Under the proposed contract, investigators would no longer be given “unfettered access” to license plate data and the retention period would be significantly cut down, he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

The cameras compile license plate numbers and other identifying information, including make, model, paint color, dents and bumper stickers.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

A bystander took a photo of Rohit’s license plate and called 911, according to Sheriff Jim Cooper.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

The door was open, and I saw his eyes go over Rocinante and linger on the license plate.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

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