Vehicle: meaning, definitions and examples

A general term for any mode of transportation that operates on land.

• She parked her vehicle in the driveway
• All vehicles must be inspected yearly

A common term for a motor vehicle with four wheels, mainly used for transporting passengers.

• She bought a new car last week
• They decided to rent a car for the road trip

Used to refer specifically to passenger cars. This term is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

• He has a passion for classic automobiles
• The automobile industry is a major economic sector

A large motor vehicle designed to carry heavy loads, either for goods transportation or services.

• The delivery truck arrived early this morning
• He works as a truck driver

A medium-sized motor vehicle with a boxy shape, often used for transporting goods or groups of people.

• They rented a van for the family vacation
• She drives a van for her catering business

A two-wheeled motorized vehicle that is ridden by straddling a seat, commonly used for individual travel.

• He rides his motorcycle to work every day
• They joined a motorcycle club

General term for any means of transportation that travels on land.

• She bought a new vehicle for her daily commute
• The police stopped the vehicle for speeding

Large watercraft designed for long-distance travel or transporting large quantities of goods.

• The ship docked at the harbor after a long voyage
• They boarded a cruise ship for their holiday

Any machine capable of flying, including airplanes, helicopters, and drones.

• The aircraft took off smoothly
• Military aircraft were seen flying over the city

Formal or technical term for any watercraft, often used in legal or naval contexts; can also refer to blood vessels in a biological context.

• A vessel was spotted on the radar
• The coast guard inspected the fishing vessel

Short for airplane; commonly used when referring to commercial or personal air travel.

• She boarded the plane for her trip to New York
• The plane landed safely despite the storm

Smaller watercraft designed for travel on water, often for leisure or short-distance travel.

• They spent the afternoon sailing in a small boat
• The boat rocked gently on the lake