armoured car: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Military, Security, Formal Journalism
Quick answer
What does “armoured car” mean?
A military vehicle designed for combat, typically equipped with heavy armour plating and weapons, used for transporting troops or as a fighting platform.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military vehicle designed for combat, typically equipped with heavy armour plating and weapons, used for transporting troops or as a fighting platform.
A civilian vehicle, such as those used by banks or security firms, that is fitted with bulletproof plating and reinforced components for transporting valuable goods or protecting passengers from attack.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling: 'armoured car'. US spelling: 'armored car'. The UK term can refer specifically to a historic type of early tank from WWI. The US term is more broadly applied to modern military reconnaissance vehicles and civilian security vehicles.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical military association (e.g., Rolls-Royce Armoured Car). US: Stronger association with modern police SWAT teams, bank security, and cash transport.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English in historical military discourse. More frequent in US English in contemporary news reports about police actions or security heists.
Grammar
How to Use “armoured car” in a Sentence
The [military/police] deployed an armoured car.They transported the [cash/dignitary] in an armoured car.The armoured car was [hit/attacked/disabled] by...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “armoured car” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The museum has a restored World War One armoured car.
- The security firm's armoured car followed a strict route.
American English
- The armored car delivered cash to the downtown branch.
- Police used an armored car to breach the compound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to secure logistics for valuables, e.g., 'The bullion is moved using a contracted armoured car service.'
Academic
Used in military history and security studies, e.g., 'The development of the armoured car preceded the main battle tank.'
Everyday
Used in news reports about crime or military actions, e.g., 'The robbers targeted the armoured car at the traffic lights.'
Technical
Specifies vehicle type, armour rating (e.g., B6), and configuration in security or defence procurement documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “armoured car”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “armoured car”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “armoured car”
- Using 'tank' and 'armoured car' interchangeably. Saying 'an armoured car' when referring to a civilian luxury car with optional armour plating (which is typically called an 'armoured vehicle' or 'bulletproof car').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tanks are tracked, heavily armed and armoured vehicles designed for front-line combat. Armoured cars are wheeled, generally lighter, and used for reconnaissance, internal security, or civilian cash transport.
Yes, but typically they are buying a civilian vehicle (like an SUV) that has been retrofitted with armour by a specialist company. These are usually called 'armoured vehicles' or 'bulletproof cars' rather than 'armoured cars' in common parlance.
An APC is designed primarily to transport infantry to the battlefield and is often tracked or heavily wheeled. An armoured car is generally smaller, wheeled, and may be used for reconnaissance, security, or light combat roles.
It follows the general rule where UK English retains the 'u' in words derived from French like 'colour', 'armour', 'honour', while US English drops it: 'color', 'armor', 'honor'.
A military vehicle designed for combat, typically equipped with heavy armour plating and weapons, used for transporting troops or as a fighting platform.
Armoured car is usually military, security, formal journalism in register.
Armoured car: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑː.məd kɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːr.mɚd kɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like robbing an armoured car (describing a very difficult or risky task).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a car wearing a suit of ARMOUR.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FORTRESS ON WHEELS; A MOBILE SAFE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key distinguishing feature of a military armoured car compared to a main battle tank?