07/28/2026
Some don't understand the difference between engine and motor. The merriam dictionary decided for you. The more you know..
motor
1 of 3
noun
mo·tor ˈmō-tər
Synonyms of motor
Simple Definition
A Simple Definition is available from our Learner's Dictionary to help you understand the meaning faster.
1
: one that imparts motion
specifically : prime mover
2
: any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: such as
a
: a small compact engine
b
: internal combustion engine
especially : a gasoline engine
c
: a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy
3
chiefly British, informal + old-fashioned : motor vehicle
especially : automobile
motordom ˈmō-tər-dəm noun
motorless ˈmō-tər-ləs adjective
motor
2 of 3
adjective
1
a
: causing or imparting motion
b
: of, relating to, or being a motor neuron or a nerve containing motor neurons
motor fiber
c
: of, relating to, concerned with, or involving muscular movement
motor areas of the brain
2
a
: equipped with or driven by a motor
b
: of, relating to, or involving an automobile
motor fuel/oil
a motor accident
c
: designed for motor vehicles or motorists
motor
3 of 3
verb
motored; motoring; motors
intransitive verb
1
: to travel by automobile : drive
2
: to move or proceed at a vigorous steady pace
motored down the field for a touchdown
transitive verb
: to transport by automobile
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engine
1 of 2
noun
en·gine ˈen-jən
Synonyms of engine
1
: a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion
also : a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source
black holes may be the engines for quasars
2
: a railroad locomotive
3
a
: something used to effect a purpose : agent, instrument
… mournful and terrible engine of Horror and of Crime …
—Edgar Allan Poe
b
: something that produces a particular and usually desirable result
engines of economic growth
4
a
: machinery
b
: any of various mechanical appliances —often used in combination
fire engine
c
: a mechanical tool: such as
(1)
: an instrument or machine of war
(2)
obsolete : a torture implement
5
: computer software that performs a fundamental function especially of a larger program
6
obsolete
a
: ingenuity
b
: evil contrivance : wile
engineless adjective
engine
2 of 2
verb
engined; engining
transitive verb
: to equip with engines
