# vehicle

/ˈvihɪkəɫ/ (US) · /vˈiəkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vehicle
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. transportation

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The police officer asked the driver to move his vehicle away from the entrance.
- Emergency vehicles were granted priority access to the bridge, while private cars were diverted through the lower town to avoid congestion.

### 2. a way to express ideas

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The new talk show is a perfect vehicle for the comedian's political jokes.
- The documentary served as a powerful vehicle for the activists to bring national attention to the environmental crisis in the delta.

### 3. a tool to achieve something

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

For teachers: a means or agency used to achieve a specific purpose or end.

- The charity used the concert as a vehicle for raising money for the hospital.
- The proposed legislation was merely a vehicle for the government to implement broader economic reforms without significant public debate.

### 4. medicine/paint carrier

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The doctor prescribed a cream where the vehicle was water-based to avoid irritating the skin.
- The efficacy of the topical treatment depends largely on the vehicle, which must ensure the active ingredient penetrates the skin barrier effectively.

### 5. to transport

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal

to carry or move something using a vehicle.

For teachers: to convey or transport by means of a vehicle.

- The goods were vehicled across the border under heavy guard.
- The logistics firm was contracted to vehicle the sensitive equipment across the desert, requiring specialised suspension systems for the journey.

## Examples

- The police stopped the vehicle for speeding.
- Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks have the right of way during a crisis.
- While the car remains the primary vehicle for personal transport, urban planners are increasingly prioritizing public transit to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.

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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.