# Harley

/ˈhɑɹɫi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/harley
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a motorcycle

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal · American English

a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, known for being large, loud, and made in America.

For teachers: a metonym for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, typically referring to the brand's heavy-weight cruiser models.

- He spent all weekend cleaning the chrome on his new Harley.
- The silence of the rural valley was suddenly shattered by the distinctive, rhythmic thrum of a Harley accelerating up the steep incline.

### 2. a name

noun · CEFR B2

a name for a person, used for both men and women.

For teachers: a unisex given name or surname of Old English origin, originally meaning 'hare meadow'.

- Harley is starting her first day of university tomorrow morning.
- The professor noted that Harley had submitted the most comprehensive analysis of the historical data in the entire cohort.

## Examples

- He spent all weekend cleaning his new Harley in the garage.
- The sound of a Harley engine is very distinct and can be heard from several blocks away.
- While many riders prefer the efficiency of modern sportbikes, he remained loyal to his vintage Harley, valuing the mechanical heritage and the low rumble of its V-twin engine.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.