Definition

Noun: A minivan is a small, box-shaped passenger vehicle. It is typically larger than a standard car but smaller than a full-size van. It is characterized by a tall roof, sliding side doors, and a versatile interior that usually has removable or reconfigurable seats. It is primarily designed and used as a practical family car.

Usage

The word minivan is used to describe a specific category of vehicle designed for passenger comfort and utility. It is a common term in automotive contexts and everyday conversation about family transportation.

Examples

• We need a minivan now that we have three children.
• The minivan's sliding doors make it easy to get in and out in tight parking spaces.
• They loaded all the camping gear into the minivan.
• Many minivans come equipped with features like rear-seat entertainment systems.

Advanced Usage

• "to drive a minivan": To use this type of vehicle as one's primary mode of transport.
  • After years of driving sports cars, he now happily drives a minivan.
• "minivan segment/market": Refers to the category of vehicles and the consumers who buy them within the automotive industry.
  • The new model is expected to compete strongly in the minivan segment.

Variants and Related Words

• MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle): A common synonym used in some markets, particularly in Europe, for a vehicle with similar characteristics to a minivan.
• People Mover: Another general term for a vehicle designed to carry multiple passengers.
• Van: A broader category of larger, box-shaped vehicles, which includes both passenger vans and cargo vans. A minivan is a specific type of van.

Synonyms

• People carrier
• MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)

Antonyms

• Sports car
• Coupe
• Two-seater

Related Phrases

• "soccer mom van": (Informal, sometimes slightly pejorative) A colloquial term for a minivan, stereotypically associated with parents who transport children to activities.
  • He joked about trading his truck in for a "soccer mom van".
• "swagger wagon": (Informal, humorous) A playful, positive nickname for a minivan.
  • They call their new minivan the "swagger wagon".

Noun

1. a small box-shaped passenger van; usually has removable seats; used as a family car