station-wagon
Definition
- Noun:
- Automobile type: A "station wagon" is a type of car with an extended rear area, typically having a rear door that opens upwards, and often designed to carry both passengers and cargo. It combines the passenger capacity of a sedan with the storage space of a van or SUV.
Usage Examples
- (A car with extra cargo space.)
- (A vehicle designed for versatile loading.)
Advanced Usage
"estate car": In British English, a "station wagon" is often called an "estate car."
- He drives an estate car, which is the same as a station wagon. (British synonym for the same vehicle type.)
"shooting brake": A historical term for a station wagon designed for hunting parties, now used for some luxury models.
- The vintage shooting brake was a precursor to the modern station wagon. (A specific early style of station wagon.)
Variants and Related Words
- Station wagon (n): the standard term; no common compound variants beyond the base form.
- Wagon (n): sometimes used informally to mean "station wagon."
- She bought a used wagon for hauling gardening supplies. (Informal shortening of "station wagon.")
Synonyms
- Estate car: British English synonym for station wagon.
- Shooting brake: historical or luxury variant.
- SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle): a related but distinct vehicle type with higher ground clearance and off-road capability.
Phrasal Verbs
- Load up the station wagon: to fill a station wagon with items.
- We loaded up the station wagon with camping gear. (Filled the car with equipment.)
Related Idioms
- "Station wagon" is not commonly used in idioms; it is a literal term for a vehicle type. However, it may appear in phrases like:
- "The station wagon of the family": metaphorically referring to something that carries many things or people.
- In our group, John is the station wagon — he always brings everything. (A person who carries many items.)