van

¹van

noun \ˈvan\

Definition of VAN

1

dialect English : a winnowing device (as a fan)

2

: wing 1a

Origin of VAN

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin vannus — more at winnow

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with VAN

an, ban, bran, can, clan, Dan, fan, flan, Jan, Klan, man, pan, Pan, panne, plan, scan, Shan, span, tan, Van

²van

noun

Definition of VAN

: vanguard

Origin of VAN

by shortening

First Known Use: 1607

³van

noun

Definition of VAN

1

a : a usually enclosed wagon or motortruck used for transportation of goods or animals; also : caravan 2a

b : a multipurpose enclosed motor vehicle having a boxlike shape, rear or side doors, and side panels often with windows

c : a detachable passenger cabin transportable by aircraft or truck

2

chiefly British : an enclosed railroad freight or baggage car

Origin of VAN

short for caravan

First Known Use: 1829

Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral, transmission

⁴van

transitive verb

vannedvan·ning

Definition of VAN

: to transport by van

First Known Use of VAN

1840

Other Transportation Terms

camber, corduroy, demurrage, milestone

Van

geographical name \ˈvan\

Definition of VAN

salt lake E Turkey in Asia area 1419 square miles (3675 square kilometers)

Rhymes with VAN

an, ban, bran, can, clan, Dan, fan, flan, Jan, Klan, man, pan, Pan, panne, plan, scan, Shan, span, tan, van