license plate

noun

1. a plate or tag, usually of metal, bearing evidence of official registration and permission, as for the use of a motor vehicle.

license plate

noun

1. a plate mounted on the front and back of a motor vehicle bearing the registration number Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)numberplate

Word History and Origins

Origin of license plate¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Over the past decade, license plate readers have become a useful tool for law enforcement agencies across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Berkeley police said they identified Hue thanks to interviews with witnesses and a review of surveillance video, along with Shot Spotter and automated license plate recognition technologies.

From Los Angeles Times

California and Mexican Chihuahua license plates line the walls, along with photos of Los Angeles athletes who have won championships.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal investigators say the vehicles connected to the group were also captured on license plate readers in Oregon and there were at least two ATM robberies committed there around the same time.

From Los Angeles Times

The other driver was able to identify the make, model and license plate on Young’s vehicle, and Young told CHP detectives that he was the only person who used that car, according to court records.

From Los Angeles Times