minivan

noun

mini·​van ˈmi-nē-ˌvan How to pronounce minivan (audio)
Synonyms of minivannext
: a small passenger van

Examples of minivan 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.
Introduced to the country in the 1980s, a time when few people had cars of their own, the minivan was an inexpensive option that allowed growing numbers of Chinese people to take to the roads. Precious Adesina, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 After the shooting, police released surveillance video of a white minivan that was wanted in connection with the case. Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026 The Valar microreactor that flew above the C-17 aircraft is a little larger than a minivan. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026 Julie Frumin broke the news to her 11-year-old son in the minivan on the way home from school. Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minivan

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minivan was in 1959

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minivan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minivan. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

minivan

noun
mini·​van ˈmin-ē-ˌvan How to pronounce minivan (audio)
: a small passenger van

More from Merriam-Webster on minivan

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