Meaning & use
motor
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Meanings
nouncountable
A machine that converts a source of energy, such as electricity or fuel, into mechanical motion.
Grammar: Countable; plural is motors.
Patterns
- an electric motor
- start a motor
- a motor runs
The electric motor in the washing machine needs replacing.
He started the motor and the boat moved away from the dock.
The motor stopped working after the power cut.
nouncountableinformalBritish
A car or other vehicle with an engine (informal, British).
Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural with 'car' implied.
Patterns
- a new motor
- buy a motor
- motor trade
She's just bought a new motor.
He's always tinkering with his motor.
adjectivebefore a noun
Relating to or powered by a motor.
Grammar: Used before a noun: motor vehicle, motor oil.
Patterns
- motor vehicle
- motor oil
- motor racing
The motor industry is important to the economy.
Motor racing is a popular sport in many countries.
Word forms
| plural | motors |
|---|
Common combinations
- electric motor
- The electric motor is quiet and efficient.
- motor vehicle
- A motor vehicle must be registered.
- motor oil
- Check the motor oil regularly.
- start the motor
- He started the motor and drove off.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
Commonly confused: motor or engine?
motor vs engine
Engine usually burns fuel; motor is more often electric. But in everyday speech they are sometimes used interchangeably for cars.
Practice
The washing machine has a small electric ______ that turns the drum.
Choose one answer.
Motor is the correct term for an electric device that produces motion. Engine typically refers to a fuel-burning device, generator produces electricity, and piston is a part inside an engine.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “motor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.