Harley
Harley (noun) means informal shorthand for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Example: “He saved for years to buy a secondhand Harley.”
How to use Harley
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual, brand-name way of saying "motorcycle" — specifically a Harley-Davidson.
Word forms
Harleys plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He saved for years to buy a secondhand _____.
Etymology
Short for Harley-Davidson, the American motorcycle maker founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and the Davidson brothers; the surname itself traces to an Old English place name meaning roughly "hare wood" or "rock clearing."
Rhymes for Harley
See all rhymes for Harley →Frequently asked questions
What does “Harley” mean?
The word “Harley” means informal shorthand for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In plain terms, a casual, brand-name way of saying "motorcycle" — specifically a Harley-Davidson.
How do you pronounce “Harley”?
“Harley” is pronounced HAHR-lee (/ˈhɑɹli/ in IPA).
How do you use “Harley” in a sentence?
Here is “Harley” used in a sentence: “He saved for years to buy a secondhand Harley.”
What part of speech is “Harley”?
“Harley” is a noun.
Where does the word “Harley” come from?
The word “Harley” dates back to around 1903 and comes from Old English.
Is “Harley” a common word?
“Harley” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What does Harley mean informally?
Informally, "Harley" is shorthand for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the well-known American motorcycle brand. People use it casually, as in "he rides a Harley," without needing to say the full brand name.
Is Harley a brand name or a general word for motorcycle?
Harley refers specifically to Harley-Davidson motorcycles rather than motorcycles in general. Using it to mean any motorcycle would be inaccurate, since it is tied to that particular manufacturer.