motor vehicle

noun

Definition of motor vehicle

: an automotive vehicle not operated on rails especially : one with rubber tires for use on highways

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Synonyms for motor vehicle

Synonyms

auto, automobile, bus, car, horseless carriage, machine, motor, motorcar, wheels [slang]

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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

Jones died on one of two routes to Mount Diablo — the southern approach used annually, even by the park system’s inadequate records, by well over 50,000 motor vehicles and cyclists to reach the road up the 3,849-foot peak. Daniel Borenstein, The Mercury News, "Borenstein: Cyclist might be alive if California parks hadn’t ignored judge’s order," 30 Aug. 2019 Investigators received information of a similar color and style motor vehicle and were provided with a partial registration plate. Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, "Sutton man held on $250K bail in hit-and-run crash that killed 51-year-old jogger," 19 Aug. 2019 For people younger than 65, the story is different: 167 people died in motor vehicles while 101 were killed walking. oregonlive.com, "More pedestrians 65 or older are dying on Portland streets, city analysis says," 31 July 2019 That federal law, which generally applies to manufacturers of new motor vehicles, requires them to notify the NHTSA and take other measures when discovering potentially defective parts that jeopardize vehicle safety. Christine Clarridge, The Seattle Times, "Lengthy civil trial begins in 2015 Ride the Ducks crash that killed 5 in crash on Aurora Bridge," 16 Oct. 2018 The $20 million is coming from a number of sources, according to Tippy, including the local roads and streets budget line, the motor vehicle and highway fund, the county economic development income tax fund and gaming. Craig Lyons, Post-Tribune, "Lake County plans $20 million in road and bridge improvements," 8 June 2018 The commonwealth's registrar of motor vehicles, Erin Deveney, resigned in late June after the lapse was made public. Fox News, "Truck driver in New Hampshire crash that killed 7 bikers was on drugs, report says," 2 Aug. 2019 Monroe was being held in the facility on charges of robbery with a firearm and grand theft of a motor vehicle, the post said. Eric Todisco, PEOPLE.com, "Four Inmates Allegedly Faked Fight to Escape Florida Juvenile Detention Center," 22 July 2019 He was booked into Orange County Jail and faces charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest and possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, online records show. Lisa Maria Garza, orlandosentinel.com, "Orlando man arrested after leaving stolen car in flames on I-4 east, Orange deputies say," 21 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'motor vehicle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of motor vehicle

1890, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for motor vehicle

motor vehicle

noun

English Language Learners Definition of motor vehicle

: a vehicle (such as a car, truck, or motorcycle) that is powered by a motor

motor vehicle

noun

Kids Definition of motor vehicle

: a motorized vehicle (as an automobile or motorcycle) not operated on rails

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