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

Sanchez has been charged with a level five felony of battery involving serious bodily injury, as well as the misdemeanors of battery resulting in injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

The programs will focus on areas experiencing the largest increases in motor vehicle thefts compared with 2025. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

The state also has policies to prevent federal authorities from accessing motor vehicle and driver's license records of immigrants without a court order or search warrant. — Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

The dozen defendants face 187 counts in all, including forgery, motor vehicle theft and defrauding creditors, the government and insurance companies. — Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 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