license plate

noun

: a plate or tag (as of metal) attesting that a license has been secured and usually bearing a registration number

Examples of license plate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Investigators reviewed license plate camera footage and identified a gray Kia Forte registered to Stafford as a possible vehicle involved, the warrant says. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 At one point, Green stops to back up Officer Thompson, who’s dealing with a driver whose temporary license plate appears to be invalid. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026 The vehicle is a white 2008 Ford F-350 with Tennessee license plate 138BBQV. — Adam Sabes , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Slide 1 of 15 The entries included license plate numbers, descriptions of vehicles and descriptions of law enforcement personnel Willie Herndon believed were following him, the complaint said. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for license plate

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of license plate was circa 1924

Rhymes for license plate

See All Rhymes for license plate

Browse Nearby Words

license number
license plate
licensing law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“License plate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/license%20plate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

license plate

noun
: a plate or tag (as of metal) showing that a license has been gotten and usually bearing a registration number
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