patrol car

noun

: a police automobile connected with headquarters by a two-way radio or computer : squad car
Placing an unarmed, compliant juvenile in the back of a patrol car transformed an investigatory stop into an arrest, the 9th Circuit held …—The National Law Journal

Examples of patrol car 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.
When the light turned Green and Griffin went through the intersection, a green Kia sport-utility vehicle tried to make a left turn and nearly hit Griffin's patrol car, state police said. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 Attendees can explore classic sheriff’s vehicles, modern patrol cars and fire trucks. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026 Garcia drove into Elk Grove, where he was chased by multiple law enforcement patrol cars and helicopters, according to the DA’s Office. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026 One of the officers was taken to a hospital by his colleagues in a patrol car, while the other injured officer was brought to a medical facility by ambulance. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patrol car

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patrol car was in 1926

Rhymes for patrol car

See All Rhymes for patrol car

Browse Nearby Words

patrol
patrol car
patrol judge
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Cite this Entry

“Patrol car.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patrol%20car. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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