Motorcycle Definition Motorcycle Definition 1

Motorcycle (noun) — a two-wheeled motor vehicle that is powered by an engine and is typically designed to carry one or two people. Motorcycles are steered with handlebars and are balanced by the rider, often used for transportation, sport, or recreation.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkl/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Motorcycle”?

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Tips for motorcycle pronunciation: 

“Motorcycle” has three parts: mo–tor–cycle. Stress the first syllable: say MOH louder than the rest – MOH-tor-sy-kul. That’s it, just train and repeat.

Level up your English with Koto!

Examples: How to Use “Motorcycle” in a Sentence?

Take a look at how you can use this word in a sentence to create meaningful expressions.

I saw a red motorcycle on the road.

She rides her motorcycle to work every day.

They bought a new motorcycle last week.

His dream is to travel across the country on a motorcycle.

The motorcycle was very fast and loud.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Motorcycle”?

Unlike other nouns that represent something specific, “motorcycle” actually has understandable synonyms that refer to the same, regardless of when and where they were used.

Related nouns: helmet engine handlebars exhaust

Synonyms (contextual): bike motorbike chopper scooter

Common collocations: motorcycle license motorcycle jacket motorcycle accident

“Motorcycle” Word Formation and Description in Context

You have discovered a bit about how do you spell motorcycle and the usage of this word, but what about combinations with other parts of speech to create new constructions?

With adjectives: fast motorcycle powerful motorcycle vintage motorcycle custom motorcycle

With verbs: ride a motorcycle crash a motorcycle fix a motorcycle buy a motorcycle

With nouns (noun + noun): motorcycle helmet motorcycle tour motorcycle race

Idioms and Phrases with “Motorcycle”

Let’s find out what does motorcycle mean in various sayings and expressions that are widely used in today’s urban life.

  • Motorcycle madness — It refers to wild or reckless motorcycle riding or a general obsession with motorcycles.

      The annual rally was full of motorcycle madness—burnouts, stunts, and roaring engines everywhere.
  • Ride like you stole the motorcycle — Used to describe riding fast and fearlessly, often in a joking or rebellious tone.

      He hit the throttle and took off like he stole the motorcycle.
  • On a motorcycle high — It describes the adrenaline rush and euphoria one feels while riding.

      She was on a motorcycle high after cruising through the mountain pass.

Test Your Knowledge of Motorcycle Meaning — Quiz Time!

Take an exciting quiz where you will learn a lot of new things that will help you to define a motorcycle even more and test what you know already.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
The first motorcycle was invented in the 21st century.
2
Most motorcycles have two wheels and are powered by an engine.
3
Riding a motorcycle requires balance and coordination.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these phrases in the right order:
1
He
raced
motorcycle
the
on
2
motorcycle
in
The
desert
roared
the
3
repair
needs
motorcycle
Your
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the correct variant:
1
The motorcycle roared like a wild animal and was as fast as lightning. What does the sentence suggest about the motorcycle?
2
He bought a powerful motorcycle. What does “powerful” refer to in the sentence?
3
A flat tire can ruin your entire motorcycle journey. What is the main problem here?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Motorcycle” Word in Other Languages

Take a look at the variants of this word in other popular languages.

Language Word for “Motorcycle ”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Motocicleta
Flag French French   Moto
Flag German German   Motorrad

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Motorcycle”

To understand the whole definition of “motorcycle,” we recommend that you go through these facts where history, technological development, and human curiosity come together.

  • The first gas-powered motorcycle was created in 1885.

    The German inventors, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, came up with their Reitwagen. It looked more like a wooden bicycle with a motor. It set the commercialization for translating into what we now call motorcycles. Apathy beginnings sometimes get the wheels going on revolutionary ideas.
  • Motorcycle helmets weren’t widely used until the 1960s.

    Most of the time, the riders didn’t use any head protection at all, even during races. After safety-related research and a few tragic accidents, helmet laws became common throughout the globe, because sometimes it takes a tragedy to instill some sense into people.
  • The world’s longest motorcycle measures over 26.29 meters in length.

    This is what Indian-born Bharat Sinh Parmar created, and it smoothly entered the Guinness World Records. Not great for riding, it does demonstrate the limits to which motorcycle design has been stretched, and sometimes you have to go the extra mile to make a name for yourself.
  • Motorcycles are more fuel-efficient and less polluting than cars.

    Many bikes achieve over 95.5 km per 3.8 liters, making them ideal for commuters who want to save on gas. Lighter weight and smaller engines gave them this efficiency, and that’s how the rider can kill two birds with one stone — money and time.
  • Some motorcycles are faster than Formula 1 cars.

    Superbikes like the Dodge Tomahawk or Kawasaki Ninja H2R can reach speeds over 320 km per hour! They’re not really road legal, but they demonstrate how powerful two wheels can be with your full throttle on the right side.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Motorcycle”

The word motorcycle has become a common guest in quotations of famous people nowadays, let’s discover what they wanted to say and why they respect motorbikes.

  “When I’m riding my motorcycle, I’m glad to be alive. When I stop riding my motorcycle, I’m glad to be alive.”

— Neil Peart

Explanation: This saying expresses the thrills and dangers of riding a motorcycle. While riding makes everything thrilling and beautiful to observe, riders sit with the knowledge of danger off their backs, making every moment off the bike feel like a narrow escape. With thrill and peril, walking a fine line deepens an appreciation for life.

  “Passing my motorcycle theory test gave me a disproportionate feeling of greatness.”

— James McAvoy

Explanation: McAvoy jokingly admits that such a minor achievement made him a hero in his feelings. It shows how even a little victory can go straight to one’s head and make one feel on top of the world.

  “Driving a motorcycle is like flying. All your senses are alive.”

Hugh Laurie

Explanation: Here we can see the comparison of riding a motorcycle to flying, truly emphasizing the sensory world. Speed, balance, and the wind make the riding feel totally liberating and uncontrollable, like throwing caution to the wind and living hard.

  “It wasn’t until I went to college and I got my first motorcycle that I understood the thrill of speed.”

— Vin Diesel

Explanation: Diesel says about the fact that owning a motorcycle changed his perspective on having the adrenaline rush with speed. This experience transformed him; the feeling it generated awoke passion in him that academic life alone could never have. It gave him the desire for speed.

  “Do I race motorcycles? I do. I use the word ‘race’ because, I admit, what I do on a motocross bike is different than riding a Harley down the street.”

— Jeff Kent

Explanation: Kent contrasts the casual riding with competitive motocross. He explains that motocross has all the intensity and skill of a far from simple cruise — it’s not a Sunday ride; that’s a different story.