A2noun2K

Van

UK /["/væn/"]/US /["/væn/"]/

Definition

a covered vehicle with no side windows in its back half, usually smaller than a lorry, used for carrying goods or people

In simple words: A type of vehicle that has a lot of space inside.

Examples

  • We drove the van to the beach for our family trip.
  • The delivery man arrived in a big white van.
  • The kids loved playing in the back of the van during the long drive.
  • They converted the van into a living space for their travels.
  • She saw a van parked outside the store with a loudspeaker.
  • He painted the van in bright colors to stand out in the parking lot.
  • The mechanics are repairing the van that broke down last week.

Usage notes

Used to refer to a vehicle often used for transporting goods or groups of people. More common in casual speech than formal writing. Not typically used in a poetic context.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'van' like 'a van full of fans cheering.'

Collocations

  • delivery
  • camper
  • transit
  • drive
  • park
  • load
  • driver
  • delivery
  • camper
  • transit
  • drive
  • park
  • load
  • driver

Synonyms

  • vehicle
  • minibus
  • mail truck
  • delivery van

Antonyms

  • car
  • bike

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'wagon' or 'truck'.
  • Used in place of 'fan' when talking about enthusiasm.
  • Forget to use 'a' before 'van' when referring to it as a singular item.