Vehicle

Definition

Vehicle is a noun referring to a means of transport or conveyance, typically a wheeled device such as a car, truck, or bus. It can also metaphorically mean a medium for expression or communication.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈviː.ə.kəl/ or /ˈviː.hɪ.kəl/
• Respelling: VEE-uh-kuhl or VEE-hik-uhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɪə.kəl/
• Respelling: VEE-uh-kuhl

Etymology

The word "vehicle" originates from Latin "vehiculum," meaning "means of transport," derived from "vehere," meaning "to carry." It entered English in the 17th century through Old French "véhicule."

Derivatives

• Vehicular (adjective)
• Non-vehicular (adjective)
• Vehicle-borne (adjective)
• Multivehicle (adjective)
• Vehicleless (adjective)

Synonyms

• Transport
• Conveyance
• Carriage

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "vehicle" is commonly used to describe modes of transport, as in "He owns an electric vehicle." It is also used metaphorically, as in "The novel serves as a vehicle for the author's political ideas."

Related Terms

• Automobile: A self-propelled vehicle for personal transport.
• Transport: The act or means of moving people or goods.
• Conveyance: A means of transport or carrying something.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A means of transport or conveyance: Refers to devices or mechanisms used for carrying people or goods.
  • Example: "The roads were filled with various types of vehicles."
• A medium for expression or communication: Refers to a tool or channel used to convey ideas or messages.
  • Example: "The speech became a vehicle for his advocacy."
• A carrier or agent: Describes something that facilitates the delivery or transmission of substances.
  • Example: "Water acts as a vehicle for nutrients in plants."