tuk-tuk

noun

ˈtu̇k-ˌtu̇k 

plural tuk-tuks

: a small motorized three-wheeled passenger vehicle with open sides and a covered top often used as a taxi especially in Asia : a motorized rickshaw

Everyone zigs and zags, overtaking cars, semis, tuk-tuks, coaches, and motorbikes, sometimes with three vehicles sharing two narrow lanes.

—Norma Meyer

In California, Hughes Aircraft is working on an electric version of Bangkok's foul-smelling taxi, the two-stroke, three-wheeled tuk-tuk.

—Jean Seligmann

… explore Thailand from the north to the south via trains, sailing vessels, tuk-tuks …

—Russ Furnas

Examples of tuk-tuk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For an afternoon, riding through the city streets in the open-air tuk-tuk, looking for what might have been his handiwork was a good time. — Matt Ozug, NPR, 17 June 2026

Located off a busy main road in the heart of the city, most of the city’s main attractions are either a short walk or a tuk-tuk ride away. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026

How to Get Around Koh Chang is almost entirely encircled by one main road, and the island doesn't have any private tuk-tuks or taxis. — Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Thai túk túk, of imitative origin

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tuk-tuk

• amok
• amuck
• awestruck
• dumbstruck
• potluck
• roebuck
• unstuck
• woodchuck
• chuck
• cluck
• duck
• huck