motor
gb/mˈoʊtɚ/ us/mˈoʊtɚ/
A2
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Machine producing mechanical motion
A machine that uses electricity to make something move.
Usage pattern:
a motor [runs/spins/drives] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'motor' with 'engine'. In general, 'motor' often refers to electrical devices, while 'engine' often refers to fuel-powered machines.
Synonyms
engine (Often used for machines powered by fuel rather than electricity, though sometimes used interchangeably.)
Antonyms
generator (A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, the reverse of a motor.)
Collocations
electric motor
|motor speed
|motor power
|motor failure
|motor control
Themes
technology
|engineering
|transport
|science
Examples
- The fan's motor stopped working after a power surge.
- An electric motor powers the conveyor belt in the factory.
- This car uses a small motor to operate the windows.
Learner examples
- The motor makes the machine move.
- My bike has a small motor.
- The motor is not working.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Vehicle powered by an engine
A car or other vehicle that moves using a motor.
Usage pattern:
drive a motor [to/from place]
Common mistake:
Some learners may think 'motor' always means 'car', but it can also mean motorcycles or other vehicles with engines.
Synonyms
automobile (More formal and less common in everyday British English; common in American usage.)
Antonyms
bicycle (A common non-motorized vehicle.)
Collocations
motor vehicle
|motor insurance
|motor racing
|motor industry
Themes
transport
|daily life
|transportation
|travel
Examples
- He was banned from driving any motor for two years.
- The company makes parts for all types of motors.
- Motor racing is popular in many countries.
Learner examples
- I drive a small motor to work.
- There are many motors on the road.
- He likes fast motors.
adjective
technical
B2
property
3
Relating to movement control
About the body’s ability to move muscles.
Usage pattern:
motor [skills/functions/control]
Common mistake:
Learners might confuse 'motor' in this sense with the machine meaning. Here it is about body movement, not engines.
Synonyms
muscular (Refers more generally to muscles, not specifically their control or movement coordination.)
Antonyms
sensory (Relating to sensation or the senses rather than movement.)
Collocations
motor skills
|motor function
|motor neuron disease
Themes
medicine
|biology
|health
|body
Examples
- The child is developing fine motor skills.
- Motor neurons carry signals from the brain to the muscles.
- The accident affected his motor functions.
Learner examples
- Babies learn motor skills slowly.
- Motor control helps us move.
- Motor function is important for walking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
motor
IPA
GB/mˈoʊtɚ/
US/mˈoʊtɚ/
Syllables & stress
mo - tor (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mo)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: motor
Noun
- Base: motor
- Plural: motors
Word family
Forms
motors
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
non-motorized
adjective
Advanced or less common
motorization
noun
Expressions
motor skills
1/mˈoʊtɚ skˈɪlz/
fixed phrase
technical
Body movement abilities
The ability to move parts of your body well and with control.
Examples
- Writing requires fine motor skills.
- Sports can help improve children's motor skills.
motor neuron disease
1/mˈoʊtɚ nˈʊɹɑn dɪzˈiz/
fixed phrase
technical
Disease of muscle-controlling nerves
A serious illness that damages nerves which control muscles, making movement harder over time.
Examples
- He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease last year.
- He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in his fifties.
- Motor neuron disease can cause muscle weakness and difficulty speaking.
- Motor neuron disease affects movement, speech, and breathing over time.
- Researchers are trying to find new treatments for motor neuron disease.
motor vehicle
1/mˈoʊtɚ vˈiɪkəl/
fixed phrase
Road vehicle with an engine
A car, truck, bus, or other vehicle that uses a motor to move on roads.
Examples
- Motor vehicles must be registered with the local authorities.
- The city is working to reduce emissions from motor vehicles.
- The city has strict laws for motor vehicle emissions.