motor vehicle

noun

Synonyms of motor vehiclenext
: an automotive vehicle not operated on rails
especially : one with rubber tires for use on highways

Synonyms of motor vehicle

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Examples of motor vehicle in a Sentence

You can register your car at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. got a license to drive a motor vehicle the minute she turned 16
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.
While Tesla's primary business remains manufacturing EVs, Musk has signaled that the company is shifting away from traditional motor vehicles. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Delja Hancock, a motor vehicle representative for the DMV, joined the strike at its headquarters. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The risk of death from suicide was nearly doubled, showing an 89% increase, while the risk of dying from intentional or unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, was 55% higher, the study found. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has begun notifying victims impacted by a recent data breach of driver’s license and motor vehicle data, but not everyone whose information was stolen will receive an alert. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motor vehicle

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motor vehicle was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

motor unit
motor vehicle
motor vessel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motor vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motor%20vehicle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

motor vehicle

noun
: a motorized vehicle (as an automobile or motorcycle) not operated on rails

More from Merriam-Webster on motor vehicle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motor vehicle

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