ENGLISH
REFERENCE

van

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈvæn// UK //vˈæn// van Archaic General-service

n. a medium-sized vehicle used for carrying goods or groups of people. It is usually larger than a car but smaller than a truck.

n. a versatile road vehicle used for transporting cargo or passengers, typically characterized by a boxy shape and a rear door. Often distinguished from a truck by its smaller size and enclosed body.


SIMPLE

The delivery driver parks the van outside the house.

CONTEXTUAL

We hired a large van to move all of our furniture to the new apartment across town.

COMPLEX

While a standard car was insufficient for the band's equipment, a commercial van provided the necessary volume to transport their amplifiers and instruments between tour dates.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in British English to refer to any covered delivery vehicle; in American English, it often specifically implies a passenger or family vehicle.

Idioms1 entry

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