motorcar

[ moh-ter-kahr ]

noun

1. Chiefly British. an automobile.
2. Railroads. a self-propelled car for freight or passengers.

motorcar

/ ˈməʊtəˌkɑː /

noun

1. a more formal word for car
2. a self-propelled electric railway car

Word History and Origins

Origin of motorcar¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; motor + car ¹

Example Sentences

Her style, which she described as “clear painting,” looks backward to mannerism and forward to futurism and has a high-gloss sheen to it, like the chrome plating of a motorcar.

From New York Times

Wagons, motorcars, and parts of buildings swirled around them.

From Literature

Dozens of motorcars dating back from the 1930s to 1990s went on display for the return of the popular Vintage Wheels car rally.

From BBC

The only English word he could muster was “motorcar,” hoping someone would drive him to see a commander.

From Washington Post

“I shouted ‘Motorcar, motorcar, motorcar,’ which was about the only English I remembered from high school, hoping that someone would bring an automobile to drive me to headquarters.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• auto
• automobile
• bus
• convertible
• jeep
• limousine
• machine
• motor
• pickup
• ride
• station wagon
• truck
• van
• wagon