van

The word “van” means a boxy motor vehicle used to carry goods or passengers, larger than a car but smaller than a lorry. In plain terms, a vehicle for carrying goods or people, bigger than a car but smaller than a truck.

“Van” is pronounced van (/væn/ in IPA).

Here is “van” used in a sentence: “The delivery van pulled up outside the shop.”

“Van” is a noun.

“Van” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Van” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a boxy motor vehicle used to carry goods or passengers, larger than a car but smaller than a lorry.

Size is the main distinction. A van is a smaller, enclosed vehicle used to carry goods or a few passengers, and can usually be driven on an ordinary licence. A lorry, or truck, is much larger and heavier, built for bulk freight, and often needs a special licence. A van sits between a car and a lorry.

Common types include the panel van, fully enclosed for cargo; the minivan or people carrier, built for passengers; the cargo van; the minibus; and the camper van fitted out for living and travel. Sizes range from small car-derived vans to large long-wheelbase models used by couriers and tradespeople.

Vans are mainly used to move goods, by couriers, delivery firms, tradespeople, and removal companies, because their boxy shape holds far more than a car boot. They also carry passengers as minibuses, serve as mobile workshops or shops, and, as camper vans, double as holiday vehicles for sleeping and cooking.