sedan
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a car with four doors and a separate space in the back for bags or luggage.
a passenger car in a three-box configuration with separate compartments for the engine, passenger cabin, and trunk.
Simple“The family decided to buy a silver sedan because it had plenty of room for the kids.”
In context“While SUVs have gained market share, the fuel-efficient sedan remains a popular choice for commuters who prioritize a smooth highway ride.”
UsageIn British English, this type of vehicle is usually called a 'saloon'.
Teacher's tipLearners should be aware that 'sedan' is the standard term in North America and Australia, while 'saloon' is preferred in the UK.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
an enclosed chair for one person that is carried on poles by two or more people.
an enclosed litter or windowed chair designed for a single occupant and carried by porters using horizontal poles.
Simple“In the 1700s, wealthy people often traveled through narrow city streets in a sedan chair.”
In context“The museum's collection includes a beautifully preserved eighteenth-century sedan, complete with original silk lining and ornate gilded brackets.”
UsageUsually appears as the compound 'sedan chair' in historical contexts.
Teacher's tipThis sense is almost exclusively found in historical novels or museums; modern speakers will assume the car sense unless the context is clearly historical.
Synonymssedan chairlitter