motor truck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-FrequencyNeutral to Formal / Technical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “motor truck” mean?
A large road vehicle designed to transport goods.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large road vehicle designed to transport goods; a lorry.
Any truck powered by an internal combustion engine (as opposed to an electric or horse-drawn vehicle). Historically, it can also refer specifically to a light truck, but in modern usage it is a general term for a goods-carrying vehicle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the equivalent term is 'lorry'. 'Motor lorry' is an archaic British term. 'Motor truck' is primarily an American term, though 'truck' is now standard in AmE.
Connotations
In AmE, it carries neutral/technical connotations. In BrE, it is recognised as an Americanism.
Frequency
Very low frequency in BrE. Moderate-to-low in AmE, where 'truck' is the dominant term.
Grammar
How to Use “motor truck” in a Sentence
The [noun] was delivered by motor truck.He drives a motor truck for a living.A fleet of motor trucks.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “motor truck” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The goods were motor-trucked to the depot. (archaic/rare)
American English
- They motor-trucked the equipment across state lines. (rare)
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- motor-truck driver (rare)
- motor-truck fleet
American English
- motor-truck regulations
- motor-truck manufacturer
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in logistics, shipping, and transportation contracts (e.g., 'motor truck carriage').
Academic
Found in historical texts about transportation or industrial development.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; 'truck' is used instead.
Technical
Used in vehicle classification, engineering, and legal/regulatory documents (e.g., 'motor truck' vs. 'tractor').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “motor truck”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “motor truck”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “motor truck”
- Using 'motor truck' in everyday British English instead of 'lorry'. Overusing the full term 'motor truck' in AmE where 'truck' suffices. Confusing 'motor truck' with 'pickup truck' (a lighter vehicle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'motor truck' is a general term for a goods-carrying vehicle, which includes large lorries. A 'pickup truck' is a specific, smaller type of truck with an open cargo area at the back.
The term 'motor truck' distinguishes it from other types of trucks (e.g., hand trucks, railroad trucks). It is now mostly used in formal, technical, or legal contexts for precision.
Almost never in modern usage. The standard British English term is 'lorry'. 'Motor lorry' is an archaic British term, and 'motor truck' is perceived as an Americanism.
No, it is extremely rare and not standard. One would say 'to truck' (as a verb) or 'to transport by truck'.
A large road vehicle designed to transport goods.
Motor truck is usually neutral to formal / technical / historical in register.
Motor truck: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊtə ˌtrʌk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊt̬ɚ ˌtrʌk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for 'motor truck'. Related: 'truck stop', 'off like a truckload of bricks'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOTOR that powers a large TRUCK. It distinguishes it from a 'hand truck' (dolly) or a 'railroad truck' (bogie).
Conceptual Metaphor
A BEAST OF BURDEN (carrying heavy loads), A WORKHORSE (reliable, utilitarian).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'motor truck' MOST likely to be used today?