motorcycle

American  

[moh-ter-sahy-kuhl] / ˈmoʊ tərˌsaɪ kəl /

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.

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verb (used without object)

motorcycled, motorcycling

1. to ride on or operate a motorcycle.

motorcycle British  

/ ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl /

noun

1. Also called: motorbike.  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

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verb

1. to ride on a motorcycle

Other Word Forms

• motorcyclist noun

Etymology

Origin of motorcycle

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

Explanation

A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels, an engine, and no pedals. Don't forget to wear a helmet when you jump on your motorcycle! Like a bicycle, a motorcycle has two wheels, but while you power your bike by pedaling, a motorcycle's motor takes care of that. All you have to do is keep it full of gasoline. Motorcycles don't burn as much fuel as most cars, so they are a major form of transportation in many cities. Unfortunately, they're also much more dangerous. When motorcycles were invented in the 19th century, they were also sometimes called motocycles.

Example Sentences

An 81-year-old man is in critical condition after he was hit by a 14-year-old boy on an electric motorcycle near an Orange County high school, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Upon further investigation, deputies determined that the teen was not riding an e-bike, but a Surron electric motorcycle, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Many tour operators suggest riding on the back of a motorcycle with a local guide at the helm, particularly for inexperienced riders.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Formula One also has a substantial growth runway, they say, with the potential to significantly ramp up monetization for MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

After his strenuous night of riding through puddles, fending off his relatives, trying to repair his motorcycle, and rebuilding his nest, Ralph napped soundly.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary