WordGarden.iovan
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈæn/
US
- /ˈvæn/
Meanings
Noun
an enclosed road vehicle used to carry goods or people
Beyond the definition
A van is a road vehicle used to carry goods, people, or equipment. It is usually larger and boxier than a car, which gives it more space inside. You might see a delivery van dropping off packages, a plumber's van full of tools, or a passenger van taking a group to the airport.
Vans come in different sizes and styles. Some are made for cargo, some for families or work teams, and some are changed into camper vans for travel. People often rent a van when they need to move furniture or carry a lot of things at once.
The word "van" refers to a type of motor vehicle designed for carrying goods or passengers. While often resembling a car in its basic structure, a van is typically larger and has a boxier shape to maximize interior space. This makes them incredibly versatile—you'll find them fulfilling countless roles in modern life.
Think about the delivery driver bringing packages to your door; they're likely driving a van! Or consider conversion vans customized for camping and road trips, offering a mobile home away from home. Vans are also commonly used as ambulances, mobile workshops, or even bookmobiles bringing libraries to remote communities.
The term "van" has evolved over time. It is actually a shortening of "caravan," which described closed horse-drawn wagons as far back as the 16th century. The first motorized vans appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, evolving from carriages adapted for commercial use. Today, there are many different types of vans: panel vans for cargo, passenger vans for people, campervans for leisure, and electric vans, which are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable transport option.
So, whether it's delivering essential goods, transporting families on adventures, or providing mobile services, the van is a workhorse vehicle that plays an important role in our daily lives—a testament to its adaptable design and enduring practicality.
Examples
- 1
Moving furniture
We rented a van to move our furniture to the new apartment.
- 2
Delivery
A delivery van stops outside our building every morning.
- 3
School transport
The school uses two vans to take students to sports events.
- 4
Group travel
There wasn't enough room in the car, so we all went in the van instead.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Camper travel
They spent the summer driving around Europe in a camper van.
- Phrasecamper van
a van you can sleep in
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- vannoun
Forms
- vanspluralnoun