noun
motor
MOH-tuh
noun
1
A machine that converts energy, such as electricity or fuel, into motion.
"The washing machine's motor burned out after ten years."
"An electric motor powers the drone's four rotors."
2
A car; a motor vehicle (chiefly British).
"He's just bought a new motor."
verb
1
To travel by car (somewhat dated or informal).
"We motored down to the coast for the weekend."
How to Use Motor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device that produces movement, or, informally, a car.
UK vs US
In British English, "motor" is common slang for a car; American English almost always says "car" instead.
Common pairings
electric motor
motor vehicle
motor running
Word Forms
motored past tense, motors plural, motors singular
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The washing machine's _____ burned out after ten years.
Etymology
From Latin mōtor ("mover"), from movēre ("to move").