van
van
Van (noun) means a boxy motor vehicle used to carry goods or passengers, larger than a car but smaller than a lorry. Example: “We hired a van to move the sofa to our new flat.”
noun
1
A boxy motor vehicle used to carry goods or passengers, larger than a car but smaller than a lorry.
"We hired a van to move the sofa to our new flat."
"The plumber parked his van outside our house."
"The delivery van pulled up outside the shop."
2
An enclosed railway carriage used to carry goods or luggage.
"The guard's van was coupled to the back of the train."
"The porters loaded the parcels into the van at the end of the train."
"Sacks of post were stacked inside the van before the express left the station."
How to use van
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA vehicle for carrying goods or people, bigger than a car but smaller than a truck.
Common pairings
delivery van
removal van
van driver
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like van.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- vans
- Third person singular
- vans
- Past tense
- vanned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We hired a _____ to move the sofa to our new flat.
Etymology
Shortened from "caravan".
Synonyms
View more →
minivan
panel van
cargo van
minibus
people carrier
transporter
camper van
caravan
vanguard
new wave
avant-garde
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “van” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “van”?
“Van” is pronounced van (/væn/ in IPA).
How do you use “van” in a sentence?
Here is “van” used in a sentence: “The delivery van pulled up outside the shop.”
What part of speech is “van”?
“Van” is a noun.
Is “van” a common word?
“Van” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “van” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a van and 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.
What are the types of van?
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.
What is a van used for?
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include van:
