1
a
: a usually enclosed wagon or motortruck used for transportation of goods or animals
also
: caravan sense 2a
b
: a multipurpose enclosed motor vehicle having a boxlike shape, rear or side doors, and side panels often with windows
c
: a detachable passenger cabin transportable by aircraft or truck
2
chiefly British
: an enclosed railroad freight or baggage car
1
dialectal, England
: a winnowing device (such as a fan)
2
Synonyms
Examples of van in a Sentence
Noun (2)
an artist who was in the van of abstract expressionism
a company that is considered by some to be in the van of the latest technology for renewable energy
Recent Examples on the Web
Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024
The driver stopped the van soon after the vehicle hit the children.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for van 
Noun
But rising gas prices and surging drivers’ insurance rates for his five delivery vans have forced him to increase delivery fees and consider partnering with delivery companies.
—Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024
The driver stopped the van soon after the vehicle hit the children.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for van
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Cite this Entry
“Van.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/van. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
van
2 of 2 noun1
: a usually closed wagon or truck for transporting goods or animals
2
: an enclosed motor vehicle shaped like a box that is used for a variety of purposes and has rear or side doors and side panels often with windows
Etymology
Noun
a shortened form of vanguard
Noun
a shortened form of caravan "vehicle"
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