motorcycle

1 of 2

noun (1)

mo·​tor·​cy·​cle ˈmō-tər-ˌsī-kəl How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
: an automotive vehicle with two in-line wheels
motorcycle intransitive verb
motorcyclist
ˈmō-tər-ˌsī-k(ə-)list How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
noun

motorcyclist

2 of 2

noun (2)

: one that rides a motorcycle

Examples of motorcycle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The office has already brought charges against four, including the mother of a 14-year-old boy accused of killing an elderly pedestrian while riding an e-motorcycle. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 The policy does say the tactic should not be used on trucks carrying hazardous materials, pickup trucks with passengers in the bed of the truck, vans or buses occupied with passengers who appear to be victims or motorcycles. — Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026 Police have issued seven citations and impounded two e-bikes/e-motorcycles. — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 Victim identified Authorities have identified the man killed in a recent Fox Lake motorcycle accident. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motorcycle

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

motor bicycle

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motorcycle was in 1894

Rhymes for motorcycle

See All Rhymes for motorcycle

Browse Nearby Words

motor court
motorcycle
motorcyclist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motorcycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorcycle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

motorcycle

noun
mo·​tor·​cy·​cle ˈmōt-ər-ˌsī-kəl How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
: a motorized vehicle for one or two passengers that has two wheels
motorcycle verb
motorcyclist
-ˌsī-k(ə-)ləst How to pronounce motorcycle (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on motorcycle

Nglish: Translation of motorcycle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motorcycle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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