1
: one that imparts motion
specifically
: prime mover
2
: any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: such as
a
: a small compact engine
b
: internal combustion engine
especially
: a gasoline engine
c
: a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy
3
Examples of motor in a Sentence
the device was equipped with a small electrical motor to make the gears spin
went shopping for a new automobile at Valley Motors
Recent Examples on the Web
The agency’s instructions for how to determine the motor carrier involved in a crash are interpreted differently by police who respond to the scene, the news organizations found.
—
Willoughby Mariano, ProPublica, 8 June 2026
Others who are either unwilling or unable to go fully electric have turned to hybrids, which pair an electric motor with a gas-burning engine.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Ahead of that mission, Northrop Grumman has transported the last eight solid rocket booster motor segments to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida by train.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Puig, a soccer standout with Division I college prospects, is still regaining basic motor skills.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for motor
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Willoughby Mariano, ProPublica, 8 June 2026
Others who are either unwilling or unable to go fully electric have turned to hybrids, which pair an electric motor with a gas-burning engine.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Ahead of that mission, Northrop Grumman has transported the last eight solid rocket booster motor segments to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida by train.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Puig, a soccer standout with Division I college prospects, is still regaining basic motor skills.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for motor
Cite this Entry
“Motor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motor. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
motor
1 of 3 noun
mo·tor
ˈmōt-ər 
1
: a machine that produces motion or power for doing work
a gasoline motor
electric motors
2
: motor vehicle
especially
: automobile entry 2
motor
2 of 3 adjective1
: causing or giving motion
motor power
2
a
: of, relating to, or being a nerve, neuron, or nerve fiber that carries a nerve impulse to a muscle causing movement
motor nerves
b
: concerned with or involving muscular movement
motor areas of the brain
a motor reaction
3
a
: equipped with or driven by a motor
b
: of, relating to, or designed for use in an automobile
a motor accident
a motor mechanic
motor
3 of 3 verb
: to travel or transport by automobile : drive
Medical Definition
motor
adjective
mo·tor
ˈmōt-ər
1
: causing or imparting motion
2
: of, relating to, or being a motor neuron or a nerve containing motor neurons
motor fibers
motor cells
3
: of, relating to, concerned with, or involving muscular movement
motor areas of the brain
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