motor vehicle

[moh-ter vee-i-kuhl, vee-hi-] / ˈmoʊ tər ˈvi ɪ kəl, ˈvi hɪ- /

NOUN

roadster powered by engine

Synonyms

STRONGEST

auto automobile bus car truck van

WEAK

motorcar motorized vehicle voiture

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.

Wholesale trade saw its biggest contraction in November since April, driven by declines in motor vehicle and parts activity, as well as in building materials and supplies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

This came on the back of sales declines at motor vehicle and parts dealers, and gasoline stations.

From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025

The historic refinery, which opened in 1911, produces approximately one-fifth of all motor vehicle fuels and 40% of the jet fuel consumed in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

On Monday, Nottinghamshire Police said it located and arrested an 18-year-old man in Doncaster, who was detained on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and other offences.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

The motor vehicle is another invention whose uses seem obvious today.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond