Motor
/ˈmoʊtər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA machine that converts energy into mechanical motion.
/ˈmoʊtər/
A machine that supplies motive power for a vehicle or other device.
The motor on the blender burnt out.
💡 Simply: A motor is like the heart of a machine that makes it go! Imagine your toy car – the motor is what makes its wheels spin.
👶 For kids: A motor is like a magic box that makes things move, like your toy car or the fan that keeps you cool.
More Examples
The electric motor is very efficient.
The airplane's engines are powerful motors.
How It's Used
"The electric motor provides the power to run the pump."
"The car's motor is a V6 engine."
To travel in a motor vehicle, especially for pleasure.
/ˈmoʊtər/
To travel by motor vehicle.
We motored up the coast for a weekend getaway.
💡 Simply: When you 'motor' somewhere, you're basically going there in a car or motorcycle.
👶 For kids: To motor means to go somewhere in a car or a motorbike!
More Examples
They motored along the highway, enjoying the scenery.
Let's motor down to the beach!
How It's Used
"We motored through the countryside."
"They motored across the state in their new car."
Idioms & expressions
motor skills
The ability to control and coordinate body movements.
"Children develop motor skills as they learn to crawl and walk."
motor vehicle
A self-propelled road vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle.
"The law applies to all motor vehicles."
From Latin *motor* 'mover', from *movere* 'to move'.
The word 'motor' emerged in the late 19th century, coinciding with the invention of the internal combustion engine and electric motors.
Memory tip
Think of a machine that moves things (cars, fans, etc.).