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

His misdemeanor charges include following too closely and affixing an unauthorized sun screening device to a motor vehicle, jail records show. — Tanya Babbar, Houston Chronicle, 29 Sep. 2026

Bassett was charged with operating a motor vehicle under suspension, misuse of license plate, operating without insurance and failure to stop at a red light. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

In 2023, 377 child pedestrians (ages infant to 14) were killed in motor vehicle crashes, while just under 13,000 suffered non-fatal injuries, according to the nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

He was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and two counts of breaking or entering a motor vehicle, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 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