motor
MOH-tuh
Motor (noun) means a machine that converts energy, such as electricity or fuel, into motion. Example: “The washing machine's motor burned out after ten years.”
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."
"The pump's motor hummed loudly as it pulled water up from the well."
2
A car; a motor vehicle (chiefly British).
"He's just bought a new motor."
"Dad spends every Sunday polishing his motor on the driveway."
"Her old motor finally gave up on the way to work this morning."
verb
1
To travel by car (somewhat dated or informal).
"We motored down to the coast for the weekend."
"In the summer, my grandparents liked to motor through the countryside with a picnic."
"They motored along the lanes, stopping now and then to admire the views."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- motors
- Third person singular
- motors
- Past tense
- motored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The washing machine's _____ burned out after ten years.
Etymology
From Latin mōtor ("mover"), from movēre ("to move").
Related words
Rhymes for motor
See all rhymes for motor →Frequently asked questions
What does “motor” mean?
The word “motor” means a machine that converts energy, such as electricity or fuel, into motion. In plain terms, a device that produces movement, or, informally, a car.
How do you pronounce “motor”?
“Motor” is pronounced MOH-tuh (/ˈmoʊtəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “motor” in a sentence?
Here is “motor” used in a sentence: “The washing machine's motor burned out after ten years.”
What is another word for “motor”?
Words with a similar meaning to “motor” include engine.
What part of speech is “motor”?
Depending on how it is used, “motor” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “motor” come from?
The word “motor” comes from Latin. From Latin mōtor ("mover"), from movēre ("to move").
Is “motor” a common word?
“Motor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “motor” have?
“Motor” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a machine that converts energy, such as electricity or fuel, into motion.
What is the difference between a motor and an engine?
The two words overlap, but there is a common distinction. "Engine" often refers to a machine that burns fuel to create motion, like a car's petrol engine. "Motor" tends to describe one driven by electricity, such as the motor in a fan or an electric car. In everyday speech, though, people use them interchangeably.
What are the main types of motors?
Motors are usually grouped by the energy they convert. Electric motors run on electricity and power everything from phones to trains, and are further split into AC and DC types. Combustion motors burn fuel. There are also hydraulic and pneumatic motors driven by pressurized liquid or air. All share one job: turning energy into movement.
What is an example of a motor?
Anything that turns stored energy into movement qualifies. The electric motor spinning a washing machine drum, the starter motor that cranks a car, and the small motor vibrating a phone are all everyday examples. Larger ones drive lifts, factory machinery and electric vehicles, converting electricity or fuel into useful motion.
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