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

Rivoire faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed criminal action and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Officers tried to conduct a motor vehicle stop, but the driver allegedly took off. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026

The motor vehicle burglaries remain under investigation, police said. —Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

Authorities said a train conductor of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad reported that the train had collided with a motor vehicle at the Hubbard County Road 101 crossing in Farden Township. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 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