noun

van

A road vehicle with an enclosed area for carrying people or goods.

The delivery driver parks her van outside our building.

Etymology

Van is a shortening of caravan, which could name a covered transport wagon. The short form specialized to an enclosed road vehicle.

More examples

  • We rent a van to move our furniture.
  • The hotel's van takes guests to the airport.
  • Two vans carry the band's instruments to each show.

Forms

van · vans

Similar words

minivan
A smaller van designed mainly for passengers, often families.
truck
Carries goods in an open bed or enclosed cargo area.
bus
Usually carries more passengers, often along a fixed route.