Transportation: English Vocabulary List

a BMW car

"He drives a black bimmer."

"The BMW enthusiast lovingly called his car bimmer and waxed it every weekend."

a BMW motorcycle

"The beemer is a classic model."

"He rode his beemer to the coast every summer for the annual motorcycle rally."

a car that has been modified to sit lower to the ground, often with customized features

"The lowrider bounces up and down with hydraulics."

"The lowrider cruised slowly down the boulevard with its hydraulic suspension bouncing rhythmically."

a person who is very enthusiastic about cars, trucks, or motorcycles

"The motorhead rebuilt the engine himself."

"The motorhead could identify any car by the sound of its engine alone."

a motorcycle handlebar positioned higher than the rider's shoulders, usually used in the plural form

"The motorcycle had apehanger handlebars."

"The custom chopper had apehanger handlebars that forced the rider to reach up high while driving."

a Lamborghini car

"The Lambo roared down the street."

"He dreamed of owning a Lambo but could barely afford to keep his old sedan running."

used to imitate the sound of a tire screeching

"Skrrt! I am leaving fast now."

"Skrrt! I am leaving fast now because I am in a hurry, and I do not have time to waste."

a cyclist who rides primarily on paved roads rather than off-road or trails

"He is a roadie."

"The experienced roadie easily navigated the winding mountain passes on his lightweight bicycle."

to board a vehicle, such as a bus, train, or tram

"Hop on the bus."

"We can hop on the next train to get to the city center quickly."

to get off a vehicle, such as a bus, train, or tram

"Hop off at the stop."

"Please tell me when to hop off the bus so I don't miss my intended destination."

to make a left turn while driving or walking

"You need to hang a left at the next traffic light."

"The taxi driver told me to hang a left at the next traffic light to reach the hotel."

to make a right turn while driving or walking

"Hang a right after the gas station."

"You need to hang a right at the gas station and then drive straight for two miles."

to take the front passenger seat in a vehicle such as a car or truck

"I will sit shotgun in the front seat."

"I called shotgun so I get to sit in the front seat while my brother has to sit in the back."

to completely destroy a vehicle, making it beyond repair

"The car will total."

"If the damage is too severe, the insurance company will declare the vehicle a total loss."

a car, often stylish, impressive, or high-end

"He showed off his new whip."

"He showed off his new whip by driving slowly through the neighborhood with the windows down."

the dashboard lights on a car that illuminate when there is a mechanical or electrical problem

"The christmas tree is on."

"A blinking christmas tree on the dashboard indicated a serious issue with the vehicle's engine."

a vehicle, usually a car, often implying personal ownership or style

"Nice ride."

"He arrived at the party in his vintage convertible, a truly impressive ride."

to give someone a ride or to pick someone up in a vehicle

"I will swoop you."

"The pilot decided to swoop down and give the stranded hikers a much-needed ride."

to pass or overtake another vehicle, often quickly or decisively

"He will shut down the car."

"The race car driver managed to shut down his competitor on the final lap."