four-wheel drive

noun

: an automotive drive mechanism that acts on all four wheels of the vehicle

also : a vehicle equipped with such a drive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

When the weather is wet—something that happens on the regular—you’ll need four-wheel drive to navigate the terrain. —Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 6 Feb. 2023

Comparing like trims, the 4xe's upcharge over the V-6 variants with four-wheel drive ranges from $8685 to $10,010—although that can be at least partially offset by the PHEV's $7500 federal tax credit. —Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 16 Feb. 2023

The Eagle is not just a Concord with Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive. —David E. Davis Jr., Car and Driver, 15 Feb. 2023

In the winter, a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires is necessary to reach the springs. —Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2023

Chains, four-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive are likely to be required on all vehicles and drivers are advised to fill their gas tanks before heading into the hills and to bring along extra food, water and blankets — and plenty of patience. —Michael Cabanatuan, San Francisco Chronicle, 30 Nov. 2022

The lodge can be reached by four-wheel drive or air. —Lauren Beale, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023

The city will pay up to $791,725 — $583,567 for nine two-wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoes, $134,906 for two four-wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoes and $73,252 for two Chevrolet Traverses. —Garrett Moore, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2023

This best-selling four-wheel drive remote control truck is a customer favorite for both value and performance. —Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 8 Nov. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above