# MOT

/mˈɒt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mot
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. vehicle safety test

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

Stands for Ministry of Transport. An annual test required in the UK to make sure a car is safe to drive.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Ministry of Transport. A mandatory annual inspection of vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions required in the United Kingdom for most vehicles over three years old.

- My car failed its MOT because the brakes were too worn.
- The mechanic advised that the vehicle would likely fail its upcoming MOT unless the suspension issues were addressed immediately.

Usage: Usually used with 'pass', 'fail', or 'take'.

### 3. a witty remark

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

A clever or funny comment.

For teachers: A pithy or witty remark; often used in the French loan-phrase 'bon mot'.

- The speaker ended his presentation with a clever mot that made everyone laugh.
- The playwright was famous for his sharp tongue and his ability to deliver a devastating mot at exactly the right moment.

Usage: Often appears in the full French form 'bon mot'.

### 4. personal health check

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Humorous · Informal

A general health check-up for a person, similar to a car inspection.

For teachers: A comprehensive physical examination or health check-up, used metaphorically by analogy with the vehicle test.

- Now that I'm over fifty, I thought it was time to go to the doctor for a health MOT.
- The private clinic offers a 'well-man MOT' that includes blood tests, heart monitoring, and nutritional advice.

### 5. microwave component

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

Stands for Microwave Oven Transformer. A part inside a microwave that handles high voltage.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Microwave Oven Transformer. A high-voltage transformer found in microwave ovens, frequently repurposed by hobbyists for high-voltage experiments.

- The engineer warned that the MOT inside the microwave carries enough voltage to be lethal.
- Hobbyists often salvage an MOT from discarded appliances to build homemade arc welders, despite the significant safety risks involved.

## Examples

- My car passed its MOT this morning.
- The mechanic found a small crack in the windshield that caused the car to fail its MOT.
- Failure to present a valid MOT certificate not only renders the vehicle illegal for road use but also typically invalidates the owner's insurance policy in the event of an accident.

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