noun
Common
Victoria
vihk-TAW-ree-uh
Victoria (noun) means a light, four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage for two passengers, with a folding hood and a raised seat for the driver. Example: “The couple arrived at the ball in an elegant victoria.”
noun
1
A light, four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage for two passengers, with a folding hood and a raised seat for the driver.
"The couple arrived at the ball in an elegant victoria."
"The Muslim ladies who earlier moved out in covered palanquins, dolis and muhafas or completely veiled coaches and victorias are now obliged to go about in tongas, rikshaws and buses leaving aside the earlier scruples."
— Abulhasan 'Ali Nadvi, The Musalman (1972)
2
A variety of plum with sweet, red-blushed skin, popular in the UK.
"She baked a crumble with victoria plums from the garden."
How to use Victoria
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage or a popular type of plum, both named after Queen Victoria.
Common pairings
victoria plum
victoria sponge
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Word forms
- Plural
- Victorias
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The couple arrived at the ball in an elegant _____.
Etymology
From Latin victoria, "victory" — the carriage and plum varieties were both named in honour of Queen Victoria of Great Britain.
Related words
Rhymes for Victoria
See all rhymes for Victoria →Frequently asked questions
What does “Victoria” mean?
The word “Victoria” means a light, four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage for two passengers, with a folding hood and a raised seat for the driver. In plain terms, either an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage or a popular type of plum, both named after Queen Victoria.
How do you pronounce “Victoria”?
“Victoria” is pronounced vihk-TAW-ree-uh (/vɪkˈtɔː.ɹi.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Victoria” in a sentence?
Here is “Victoria” used in a sentence: “The couple arrived at the ball in an elegant victoria.”
What part of speech is “Victoria”?
“Victoria” is a noun.
Where does the word “Victoria” come from?
The word “Victoria” comes from Latin. From Latin victoria, "victory" — the carriage and plum varieties were both named in honour of Queen Victoria of Great Britain.
Is “Victoria” a common word?
“Victoria” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Victoria” have?
“Victoria” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a light, four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage for two passengers, with a folding hood and a raised seat for the driver.
What is a victoria carriage used for?
A victoria was a light pleasure carriage, prized for leisurely drives and being seen in public parks during the 19th century. Its low, open body and folding hood let passengers enjoy fresh air and views, while the elevated front seat kept the driver clear of them.
What is the difference between a victoria and a landau?
Both are four-wheeled horse-drawn carriages, but a victoria is lighter and seats just two passengers under a single folding hood, with the driver raised on a separate box. A landau is heavier and roomier, with two facing seats and a hood that splits into front and rear halves.
Why is the carriage called a victoria?
The carriage takes its name from Queen Victoria, who favoured this elegant open style and helped make it fashionable across Europe. Introduced in the mid-19th century, it became a symbol of refined city driving, especially popular for ladies making calls or taking the air in a park.
What does a victoria carriage look like?
A victoria is low-slung and open, with a single wide seat for two passengers and a curved, graceful body. A folding leather hood can be raised for shade or shelter, and the coachman sits on a high box seat at the front, driving one or two horses.
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