motor vehicle

noun

: an automotive vehicle not operated on rails

especially : one with rubber tires for use on highways

Synonyms of motor vehicle

• car
• bus
• automobile
• machine
• wheels

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

His cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma from a motor vehicle collision, according to county police. — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026

Evans was charged with one count of burglary to a motor vehicle in connection with that case, per the release. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

And fourth, when writing and passing the Clean Air Act, Congress specifically chose to preempt state regulations on emissions from new motor vehicles. — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

His misdemeanor charges include following too closely and affixing an unauthorized sun screening device to a motor vehicle, jail records show. — Tanya Babbar, Houston Chronicle, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

motor vehicle

noun

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