Etymologically
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motorcycle

Etymology and origin of the English word motorcycle

History Permalink
Confidence
Established
Formation
Compound
First attested
1894

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈməʊʔəˌsaɪkl̩/, /ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl/ (UK); /ˈmoʊtɚˌsaɪkəl/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is a hybrid of motor and -cycle, from bicycle,[2] from the earlier motor bicycle.[3] Motocycle was also used in the late 19th century.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

A large bicycle propelled by a small motor: 1894 in Merriam-Webster, 1895 in Etymonline.[3][2]

Semantic evolution

In 1895 a writer in The Age of Steel called the word a horrid name.[2] Motorcyclist followed.[2] The verb, to ride a motorcycle, is also recorded.[4]

Timeline

  • 1894 – motorcycle.[3]
  • 1895 – a horrid name.[2]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. A two-wheeled motor vehicle like a heavy bicycle, sometimes with a sidecar; a motorbike.

Verb

  1. To ride on a motorcycle.

Word family

  • motorcyclist

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins
Cite this entry

“Motorcycle.” Etymologically, 17 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/en/motorcycle. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

Last edited on . ·