motorcycle

[ moh-ter-sahy-kuhl ]

noun

1. a motor vehicle similar to a bicycle but usually larger and heavier, chiefly for one rider but sometimes having two saddles or an attached sidecar for passengers.

verb (used without object)

, mo·tor·cy·cled, mo·tor·cy·cling.

1. to ride on or operate a motorcycle.

motorcycle

/ ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl /

noun

1. Also calledmotorbike a two-wheeled vehicle, having a stronger frame than a bicycle, that is driven by a petrol engine, usually with a capacity of between 125 cc and 1000 cc

verb

1. to ride on a motorcycle

Derived Forms

• ˈmotorˌcyclist, noun

Other Words From

• mo·tor·cy·clist [moh, -ter-sahy-klist], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motorcycle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; motor + cycle

Example Sentences

Early last year, Leno crashed his motorcycle and wound up with a broken collarbone, two broken ribs and two cracked kneecaps.

From Los Angeles Times

I started riding motorcycles a few years ago because I went through a breakup, and I think I needed a good adrenaline rush.

From Los Angeles Times

Tom Cruise’s motorcycle tour from the boulevards of Paris to the Hollywood Hills in the ceremony’s tacky finale only increased concern.

From Los Angeles Times

West Yorkshire Police previously said the motorcycle had failed to stop for officers and a pursuit had been authorised shortly before the crash.

From BBC

The clip has each of the band members on the back of motorcycles cruising across a wide-open desert landscape.

From Los Angeles Times