four-wheel drive

noun

, Automotive.

1. a drive system in which engine power is transmitted to all four wheels for improved traction.
2. a vehicle having such a system. : 4WD

four-wheel drive

noun

1. a system used in motor vehicles in which all four wheels are connected to the source of power

Other Words From

• four-wheel-drive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of four-wheel drive¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

He rode around in a new four-wheel-drive pickup truck, flying a white flag.

From The Daily Beast

A guy with a van that had four-wheel drive would take us into the city for $150.

From The Daily Beast

Woolley hitched the horse to the back of his four-wheel-drive and traveled 1,500 miles to Churchill Downs.

From The Daily Beast

They drive four-wheel-drive cars and live in really good houses.

From The Daily Beast

In the course of the experiments, all types of American four-wheel-drive vehicles were examined and two of the best French types.

From Project Gutenberg

Scotty reached down and put the jeep into four-wheel drive, then turned left off the road.

From Project Gutenberg

He started the jeep, then shifted into his own four-wheel drive.

From Project Gutenberg

Rick held on tight as Zircon shifted into four-wheel drive and forged ahead.

From Project Gutenberg

There was little danger of the jeep bogging down, especially in four-wheel drive.

From Project Gutenberg