ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vehicle

n. · v.
US //ˈvihɪkəɫ// UK //vˈiəkəl// ve·hi·cle
  1. 1 transportation (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a machine with wheels or an engine, such as a car, bus, or truck, used for carrying people or things.

    a conveyance or machine used for transporting people or goods, typically on land.

    Example

    The police officer asked the driver to move his vehicle away from the entrance.

    Example

    Emergency vehicles were granted priority access to the bridge, while private cars were diverted through the lower town to avoid congestion.
  2. 2 a way to express ideas (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a way of showing your talent or telling people your ideas.

    a medium through which thoughts, feelings, or artistic talents are expressed or communicated.

    Example

    The new talk show is a perfect vehicle for the comedian's political jokes.

    Example

    The documentary served as a powerful vehicle for the activists to bring national attention to the environmental crisis in the delta.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 a tool to achieve something (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a thing you use to make something happen or to reach a goal.

    a means or agency used to achieve a specific purpose or end.

    Example

    The charity used the concert as a vehicle for raising money for the hospital.

    Example

    The proposed legislation was merely a vehicle for the government to implement broader economic reforms without significant public debate.
  2. 4 medicine/paint carrier (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    a substance like oil or gel that carries the active part of a medicine or paint.

    an inactive substance, such as an oil or ointment, that serves as a medium for the administration of an active drug or pigment.

    Example

    The doctor prescribed a cream where the vehicle was water-based to avoid irritating the skin.

    Example

    The efficacy of the topical treatment depends largely on the vehicle, which must ensure the active ingredient penetrates the skin barrier effectively.
  3. 5 to transport (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    to carry or move something using a vehicle.

    to convey or transport by means of a vehicle.

    Example

    The goods were vehicled across the border under heavy guard.

    Example

    The logistics firm was contracted to vehicle the sensitive equipment across the desert, requiring specialised suspension systems for the journey.
Origin

Borrowed from French véhicule, from Latin vehiculum (“a carriage, conveyance”), from vehere (“to carry”).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference