motorcycle

noun

mo·​tor·​cy·​cle ˈmō-tər-ˌsī-kəl How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
: an automotive vehicle with two in-line wheels
motorcycle intransitive verb
motorcyclist
ˈmō-tər-ˌsī-k(ə-)list How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
noun

Examples of motorcycle 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.
Others have packed it on paddling excursions, long hikes, bike rides, and motorcycle road trips. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 At what point should these electric bikes be considered motorcycles and not bicycles? — Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Cool girls are steering skorts away from their grade-school connotations with motorcycle boots, slingback heels, and more sophisticated shoe pairings. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 4 July 2026 Boise leaders moved this week to regulate powerful electric motorcycles and give the mayor authority to restrict lawn watering during droughts. — Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for motorcycle

Word History

Etymology

motor bicycle

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motorcycle was in 1894

Rhymes for motorcycle

See All Rhymes for motorcycle

Browse Nearby Words

motor court
motorcycle
motorcyclist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motorcycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorcycle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

motorcycle

noun
mo·​tor·​cy·​cle ˈmōt-ər-ˌsī-kəl How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
: a motorized vehicle for one or two passengers that has two wheels
motorcycle verb
motorcyclist
-ˌsī-k(ə-)ləst How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on motorcycle

Nglish: Translation of motorcycle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motorcycle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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